February is American Heart Month and according to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease is the #1 killer in America and the #1 killer of women. There are steps you can take to help keep your heart healthy though, including:
“...by getting my annual eye exam, my optometrist was able to tell me that I should see my primary physician because I had signs of hypertension. Sure enough I saw my physician and was diagnosed with hypertension. I'm grateful I got my eye exam; I believe it saved my health.”
Nancy R. (Nevada)
Comprehensive eye exams actually go beyond determining your prescription for eyeglasses or contacts. A comprehensive eye exam includes a number of tests and procedures to examine and evaluate the health of your eyes and the quality of your vision. These tests range from simple ones (like reading an eye chart) to complex tests (such as using a high-powered lens) to examine the health of the tissues inside of your eyes.
During an eye exam, your eye doctor can observe changes in the tiny blood vessels in the eye. According to the American Heart Association, changes to blood vessels in the back of the eye can reflect changes in large blood vessels in the rest of the body. These changes may indicate hypertension, also known as high blood pressure. People with high blood pressure have a higher risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke, or aneurisms.
If you are someone who believes that going to an eye doctor is only for people who need prescriptions to see, consider how your eyes are more than just a window to the soul or your heart, they can also be a window to your overall health. Eyecare practitioners save more than just your vision. They can also save a life. Show your eyes (and your heart) some love this month. Schedule an appointment for a comprehensive eye health exam. If you need help finding a doctor, use our doctor locator.