Routine eye exams are an essential component of healthcare, offering much more than the assessment of your vision. Lumen Optometric is at the forefront of using comprehensive eye exams not only to correct vision problems but also to detect underlying health issues. Through an in-depth examination of the eye’s complex structure, expert optometrists and ophthalmologists can unearth early signs of systemic diseases, making eye exams a critical tool in preventive health care.
The eyes are often heralded as windows to the soul, but they are also windows to the body’s overall health. The unique transparency of the eye’s blood vessels and nerves provides a non-invasive way to peek into the body’s vascular system and nerve functions.
A comprehensive eye exam does more than determine your prescription for glasses or contact lenses. It’s a vital check on the health of your eyes as well as your overall health. Conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure can be detected through subtle changes in the blood vessels or the appearance of the retina. Our eyecare specialists, through meticulous examination, can spot these early signs, which might go unnoticed in a standard physical exam.
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a sophisticated imaging test that allows optometrists to view cross-sections of the retina. This non-invasive method can reveal early signs of conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and the vascular damages caused by diabetes. By employing OCT, our practitioners ensure that any signs of systemic diseases are caught and addressed early.
The scope of conditions identifiable through an eye exam is extensive. High cholesterol, for instance, can manifest as a yellow or blue ring around the cornea, while autoimmune diseases such as Lupus or Sjögren’s syndrome can be detected through inflammation or dryness in the eyes. The retina’s state gives clues about potential heart diseases, thyroid diseases, cancer, and even neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis.
We emphasize the preventive aspect of eye care. By detecting diseases at their onset through an eye exam, individuals can take proactive steps towards managing their health before these conditions escalate into more serious problems. This approach underscores the importance of regular eye exams, aligning with the recommendations by the American Academy of Ophthalmology for adults to undergo a complete eye examination by the age of 40, and more frequently if there are risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, or a family history of eye diseases.
Eye exams are an integral component of health maintenance, providing crucial insights into your overall well-being. At Lumen Optometric, we are committed to utilizing comprehensive eye examinations not only to safeguard your vision but also as a proactive measure to detect and manage systemic health issues. We encourage everyone to understand the importance of regular eye exams and to incorporate them into their healthcare routine. Call us at (626) 921-0199 or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment!
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