Do you think an eye test is just about checking your vision? Think again. One optometrist says that your eyes hold the key to uncovering serious health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and even high cholesterol.
With 30% of Brits skipping their routine eye tests, Neil Laird, a specialist optometrist at Pure Optical, warns that overlooking your next appointment could mean missing life-saving early detection. Here’s why your next trip to the optician could protect more than just your sight.
Mr Laird said: “An eye test isn’t just beneficial for your sight, your eyes often reflect what’s happening elsewhere in your body. In fact, during a routine eye exam, opticians can spot subtle changes that may indicate various serious health conditions.
“With early detection key to preventing long-term complications and maintaining good health, that means a trip to your local opticians could benefit more than just your eyes.” Opticians are trained to detect various eye conditions early, often before symptoms become noticeable, these include:
- Glaucoma: often referred to as the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma develops gradually and can cause irreversible vision loss if not caught early.
- Cataracts: a common age-related condition that causes clouding of the lens, leading to blurry vision.
- Macular degeneration: a leading cause of vision loss among people over 50, this condition affects the central part of the retina, responsible for sharp vision.
In addition to eye-specific conditions, opticians can also identify signs of systemic health issues during routine exams, including:
- Diabetes: changes in the blood vessels in the retina can be an early indicator of diabetes.
- High blood pressure: damage to the blood vessels in the eye may signal elevated blood pressure, even if other symptoms are absent.
- Cholesterol issues: fatty deposits in the blood vessels visible during an eye exam can point to high cholesterol levels.
Mr Laird said: “It’s incredible what we can learn from a simple eye check. Many people don’t realise that eye exams can save lives by uncovering serious health issues early on. Spotting these conditions early can lower the risk of more serious complications and even help slow their progression.”
This means scheduling regular eye exams is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to safeguard your overall health. Mr Laird said: “We recommend that adults have an eye test at least every two years. For those with a family history of eye disease or other risk factors, more frequent visits may be necessary. Your optician can guide you on what’s best for your individual needs.”