Your eyes may not just be a window to your soul—they can also provide crucial insights into your heart and cardiovascular health. With advanced retinal technology, eye exams can now detect early signs of heart disease and other cardiac conditions, helping to catch potential problems before they become serious.
The Connection Between Heart and Eye Problems
During a retinal eye exam, your eye doctor evaluates the vasculature in the retina, which consists of the blood vessels that bring blood to the back of your eyes. Since these retinal blood vessels are part of your body’s vascular system, irregularities in them can indicate underlying cardiovascular issues.
For example, patients with atherosclerosis—a condition where cholesterol deposits build up in the arteries—are also likely to experience similar issues in the retinal blood vessels. This can increase the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of vision loss. Cardiac eye symptoms can, therefore, offer important clues to heart health.
Can an Eye Exam Detect Conditions That Affect the Heart?
A comprehensive eye exam can reveal early signs of several conditions that affect both the eyes and the heart. For instance, diabetes and high blood pressure often manifest in the eyes before symptoms appear elsewhere in the body.
- Diabetes: This condition can damage blood vessels and nerves, leading to diabetic retinopathy, a serious eye disease that may cause vision loss. During a dilated eye exam, your eye doctor can detect early retinal changes caused by high blood sugar levels.
- Hypertension: Similar to glaucoma, high blood pressure can show no obvious symptoms in its early stages. A comprehensive eye exam can detect changes in the retinal blood vessels that may indicate high blood pressure. If these changes are spotted, your eye doctor may refer you for further testing to diagnose and manage hypertension.
How to Maintain Both Heart and Eye Health
Maintaining healthy eyes and a healthy heart requires a proactive approach. Here are a few key tips to help protect both:
- Stop Smoking: Smoking is a major contributor to cardiac eye symptoms and various cardiovascular issues. It can cause plaque buildup in your arteries, including those in the eyes, leading to vision problems.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Keeping a healthy weight can reduce your risk for both heart disease and vision-related conditions.
- Exercise Regularly: Regular physical activity supports heart health and improves circulation, which benefits your eye health as well.
- Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet: Eating a diet rich in leafy greens, antioxidants, and yellow or orange vegetables supports both your cardiovascular and eye health.
- Monitor Your Blood Pressure: Keep track of your blood pressure levels, as high blood pressure can impact both your heart and eyes.
- Know Your Family History: Being aware of your family’s medical history helps identify potential risks early.
- Schedule Regular Eye Exams: Eye exams are crucial for maintaining your vision and monitoring for any signs of heart disease or other systemic conditions.
Protect Your Heart and Eyes with Regular Eye Exams
Eyeson Group offers comprehensive eye exams to assess your eye health and identify potential signs of heart disease or other health conditions. Early detection of cardiac eye symptoms can help you take proactive steps to protect both your eyes and heart.