Eye pain

You Can Prevent Diseases With An Early Detection Eye Exam 

May 13, 2022 | Eye Health

Your eyes are an important part of your overall health, and regular eye exams are crucial for maintaining good eye health.

Not only can eye exams detect vision problems and the need for glasses or contact lenses, but they can also help to detect a range of eye diseases and conditions that can impact your vision and overall health.

What diseases that can be detected during an eye exam?

Glaucoma.

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve and can lead to vision loss or blindness. Glaucoma often has no symptoms in its early stages, making regular eye exams even more important for early detection. During an eye exam, your optometrist can perform tests to measure the pressure in your eye, ensure your peripheral vision is at it should be (Glaucoma damages it) and check for signs of optic nerve damage. Early detection and treatment can help to slow or stop the progression of glaucoma and preserve your vision.

Cataracts.

Cataracts are a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which can cause blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and other symptoms. Cataracts are a common age-related condition but can also be caused by other factors such as injury, certain medications, or health conditions like diabetes. During an eye exam, your optometrist can check for the presence of cataracts and monitor their progression. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the cataract and restore vision.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

AMD is a condition that causes damage to the macula, the part of the retina that is responsible for central vision. It is a leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of 50. During an eye exam, your optometrist can look for signs of AMD, such as drusen or pigment changes in the macula. Early detection and treatment can help to slow the progression of AMD and preserve vision.

Diabetes and High Blood Pressure.

Diabetes and High Blood Pressure are two health conditions that can have a significant impact on eye health. People with diabetes are at increased risk for diabetic retinopathy, a condition that can lead to vision loss. High blood pressure can lead to hypertensive retinopathy, which can cause damage to the blood vessels in the retina. During an eye exam, your optometrist can look for signs of these conditions and make recommendations for management and treatment.

Why is Early Detection of Eye Diseases Key?

Early detection is critical for managing eye diseases and preserving vision.

Many eye diseases, including glaucoma and AMD, have no symptoms in their early stages, making regular eye exams essential for catching these conditions before they progress. Early detection of other health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure can lead to earlier treatment and management, which can help to prevent or slow the progression of related eye conditions.

Book an Eye Test Today

If you haven’t had an eye exam in over a year, or if you have a history of eye problems or a chronic health condition, it’s important to schedule a comprehensive eye exam with an optometrist.

Regular eye exams are critical for maintaining good eye health and detecting a range of diseases and conditions that can impact your vision and overall health. By scheduling a comprehensive eye test with an experienced optometrist, you can take control of your eye health and ensure the early detection and management of any potential problems.

At Gormley Opticians, our experienced team of Optometrists can perform a range of tests to evaluate your vision and eye health, including tests for glaucoma, cataracts, AMD, and other conditions. Book an eye test with us today and take the first step toward maintaining good eye health.

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