Diabetes, High Blood Pressure & Stroke Can be Detected in Your Eyes

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Optometrists or ophthalmologists can diagnose the risk for disease, like diabetes, high blood pressure, and stroke, all by just looking at a person's eyes. CBS News notes that around 61 million American adults are at risk of losing their vision, but not nearly enough are paying a visiting to the eye doctor.  

Dr. Emily Shull, from the Cincinnati Eye Institute, advised people to schedule an eye exam for themselves and their family, especially since August marks the beginning of National Eye Exam Month. 

Other than detecting potential eye-related health issues, eye exams can lead to early diagnosis of several other health issues, like high cholesterol or even some cancers. Paying a visit to the doctor can result in early prevention or treatment of these health risks, states Cincinnati.com

Dr. Christopher Starr explained on "CBS This Morning" that the eye is a very unique organ, which gives doctors access to parts of the body, that is otherwise inaccessible. He said eye doctors can examine blood vessels and even the brain, by observing the optic nerve, through the eyes. 

For instance, the optic nerve, which is connected to the brain, if swollen tells the doctor that the patient may have a brain tumor. A swollen optic nerve can also signal the risk of stroke, reports CBS News. 

In addition, eye exams are the tool of chose when diagnosing multiple sclerosis, which can also be detected through a swollen optic nerve. 

Meanwhile, a patient's overall health can be detected, simply by looking at the back of the retina, to examine blood vessels, veins and arteries. According to Starr, "If those are abnormal, if there are little aneurysms or changes in the caliber of those blood vessels, that can be the indicator of hypertension." 

"Similarly, strokes. We can see little tiny strokes in those blood vessels. And sometimes that can be the indicator that there's atherosclerotic disease in the carotid artieries, which could lead to massive stroke if not detected," he added.

According to The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), adutls under 40 should see their eye doctor every five to ten years, while those over 40 should shedule eye appointment much more frequently. 

The AAO advises that adults age 40 to 54, should see their optometris or ophthalmologist every two to four years. Meanwhile, those age 55 to 64 should see an eye doctor every one to three years, whereas adults 65 years and older should visit their eye doctor every one to two years. 

Starr advised not to wait until symptoms show to visit the doctor. "Some asymptomatic problems like glaucoma or even tumors...can be detected on routine visits," he said.