Your eyes could be warning you about serious health issues! Discover the six signs an optometrist says you need to watch out for
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Optometrists are more than experts who help you pick the right frames for your glasses. They’re also trained to spot the early signs of chronic diseases like diabetes, high cholesterol, and cancer.
Sophie Koh, an optometrist and National Professional Services Advisor at Optometry Australia, revealed how optometrists can detect these conditions by looking into a patient’s eyes.
According to Optometry Australia’s 2020 Vision Index Report, more than four in 10 Australians are unaware optometrists can observe serious illnesses.
Sophie said optometrists have the unique advantage of seeing your blood vessels clearly without any surrounding tissue getting in the way.
Optometrists have a unique way of spotting possible symptoms of more severe illnesses. Image by Ksenia Chernaya from pexels.
'The eye also has 40 per cent of nerve fibres connected to the brain, so early changes to your eye health and vision can be indicative of other broader health issues,' she said.
Let’s look at the six signs an optometrist could spot during an eye exam that could mean you have a serious condition:
1. Cancer – Optometrists can spot swelling of the optic nerve, bloody retinas and new or irregular-looking moles at the front and/or back of your eye that could be signs of something more serious. The eye may be the first to show early signs of various cancers, such as brain tumours, melanoma, leukaemia, and lymphoma.
2. Stroke – Microscopic blood clots, detected during an eye exam, could indicate high blood pressure. This could mean you have an elevated risk of suffering from a stroke.
3. Diabetes – Like stroke, optometrists can use an eye exam to pick up microscopic changes in the retina that are common with diabetes, such as specks of blood in the back of the eye, which could indicate diabetic retinopathy.
4. Multiple Sclerosis – Optic neuritis, the optic nerve swelling that causes blurry vision, could be the first sign you’re developing multiple sclerosis.
5. High cholesterol levels – Evidence of high cholesterol in your bloodstream can be seen as a white, blue, or grey ring around your cornea during an eye exam.
6. Thyroid disease – Eye redness and itching could be symptoms of an autoimmune disorder called Graves’ Disease. Advanced stages of this condition can cause swelling of the ocular muscles, resulting in bulging eyes and even double vision.
Despite these tell-tale signs, remember, dear members, never self-diagnose!
Check with your doctor or your local optometrist for a more accurate diagnosis–it’s essential to keep an eye out for anything unusual and get a complete eye exam done every two years to preserve visual acuity and spot early symptoms of various illnesses.
Resources available for seniors for eye care and general health
Alongside regular check-ups, there are bountiful resources offered to aid in taking care of your eye health and general well-being.
Optometry Australia is a great starting point. Their website offers valuable resources such as the 'Find an Optometrist' feature. This ensures you're entrusted to the appropriate professionals who provide meticulous eye care.
Moreover, for specific eye conditions, Glaucoma Australia and the Macular Disease Foundation Australia are two exemplary organisations that provide comprehensive educational resources and support networks to those diagnosed and their families.
In terms of general health, the Department of Health website features an abundant list of health services specifically tailored for seniors. Similarly, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare provides up-to-date statistics and advice regarding issues impacting elder Australians.
Lastly, Active and Healthy, a government-funded website, provides substantial support to seniors seeking to maintain physical health. From tips on maintaining strength and balance to prevent falls to staying mentally agile, this website is an archive of practical advice suitable for every senior.
If you or someone you know is worried they could be showing signs of a certain illness, it’s important to get advice from your GP. Sharing is also caring–if you have any tips or stories about eye health, please share them in the comments below!
Sophie Koh, an optometrist and National Professional Services Advisor at Optometry Australia, revealed how optometrists can detect these conditions by looking into a patient’s eyes.
According to Optometry Australia’s 2020 Vision Index Report, more than four in 10 Australians are unaware optometrists can observe serious illnesses.
Sophie said optometrists have the unique advantage of seeing your blood vessels clearly without any surrounding tissue getting in the way.
Optometrists have a unique way of spotting possible symptoms of more severe illnesses. Image by Ksenia Chernaya from pexels.
'The eye also has 40 per cent of nerve fibres connected to the brain, so early changes to your eye health and vision can be indicative of other broader health issues,' she said.
Let’s look at the six signs an optometrist could spot during an eye exam that could mean you have a serious condition:
1. Cancer – Optometrists can spot swelling of the optic nerve, bloody retinas and new or irregular-looking moles at the front and/or back of your eye that could be signs of something more serious. The eye may be the first to show early signs of various cancers, such as brain tumours, melanoma, leukaemia, and lymphoma.
2. Stroke – Microscopic blood clots, detected during an eye exam, could indicate high blood pressure. This could mean you have an elevated risk of suffering from a stroke.
3. Diabetes – Like stroke, optometrists can use an eye exam to pick up microscopic changes in the retina that are common with diabetes, such as specks of blood in the back of the eye, which could indicate diabetic retinopathy.
4. Multiple Sclerosis – Optic neuritis, the optic nerve swelling that causes blurry vision, could be the first sign you’re developing multiple sclerosis.
5. High cholesterol levels – Evidence of high cholesterol in your bloodstream can be seen as a white, blue, or grey ring around your cornea during an eye exam.
6. Thyroid disease – Eye redness and itching could be symptoms of an autoimmune disorder called Graves’ Disease. Advanced stages of this condition can cause swelling of the ocular muscles, resulting in bulging eyes and even double vision.
Despite these tell-tale signs, remember, dear members, never self-diagnose!
Check with your doctor or your local optometrist for a more accurate diagnosis–it’s essential to keep an eye out for anything unusual and get a complete eye exam done every two years to preserve visual acuity and spot early symptoms of various illnesses.
Resources available for seniors for eye care and general health
Alongside regular check-ups, there are bountiful resources offered to aid in taking care of your eye health and general well-being.
Optometry Australia is a great starting point. Their website offers valuable resources such as the 'Find an Optometrist' feature. This ensures you're entrusted to the appropriate professionals who provide meticulous eye care.
Moreover, for specific eye conditions, Glaucoma Australia and the Macular Disease Foundation Australia are two exemplary organisations that provide comprehensive educational resources and support networks to those diagnosed and their families.
In terms of general health, the Department of Health website features an abundant list of health services specifically tailored for seniors. Similarly, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare provides up-to-date statistics and advice regarding issues impacting elder Australians.
Lastly, Active and Healthy, a government-funded website, provides substantial support to seniors seeking to maintain physical health. From tips on maintaining strength and balance to prevent falls to staying mentally agile, this website is an archive of practical advice suitable for every senior.
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