The Relationship Between Eye Health and Overall Health

Did you know that diabetes and high blood pressure can cause changes to your eyes and vision? Your eyes can give your eye doctor a window into your overall health. Eye exams can sometimes reveal significant health issues, such as high cholesterol and heart disease. Engle Eyewear in Wilkes Barre, PA, can detect health issues alongside eye problems during an exam, allowing you to get the treatment necessary to maintain good eye and general health. Continue reading to learn about the relationship between eye health and overall health.

Signs of Infection

White spots on your cornea may indicate infection. Infections are most common in people who do not practice good hygiene with their contact lenses. Poor eye hygiene often leads to eye infections that require prompt treatment. Visit an optometrist near you if you notice white spots on your cornea.

Diabetes

Diabetes can damage blood vessels throughout the body, including the eyes. Diabetes can lead to diabetic retinopathy, a condition where you may experience floaters, blurry vision, fluctuating vision, dark or empty areas in your vision, and vision loss. Diabetes also increases your risk of developing other eye diseases like cataracts and glaucoma. Your eye doctor can detect diabetes during an eye exam and help provide treatment to prevent future vision loss.

High Cholesterol

A white ring around your iris may indicate high cholesterol. If you notice a sudden color change around your iris, consult with your general practitioner and optometrist. This symptom often indicates high triglycerides and cholesterol, which can lead to heart disease or strokes.

Visit Your Eye Clinic Near You in Wilkes Barre, PA, to Preserve Your Eye Health

Your eyes can show signs of significant health issues that require prompt attention, so contact your eye doctor at Engle Eyewear in Wilkes Barre, PA, to schedule an eye exam today. Our eye doctor can catch significant health conditions and provide recommendations and treatment to preserve your eyesight. Call us and schedule your annual exam at (570) 208-1111 to maintain healthy eyes and clear vision.