elderly man getting eye examined by optometrist

Can An Eye Exam Detect General Health Problems Like High Cholesterol?

Eye exams are good for more than the eyes themselves. Many body-wide diseases and conditions affect the eyes, so they can be spotted and diagnosed during a comprehensive eye checkup. Diabetes, tumors, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and more have been initially diagnosed this way.

Detecting General Health Problems Through Eye Exams

Many health problems create telltale changes in the eye. Blood near the back of the eye, for example, is a sign of diabetes. Brain and eye tumors can cause cloudiness in the eye and damage to the optic nerve, both of which are spotted during eye exams. High cholesterol can cause fatty deposits in the eye that otherwise wouldn't be present.

Can Your Eye Doctor Give a Firm Diagnosis of General Health Problems?

In some cases, the answer is "yes." An eye doctor is especially adept at recognizing diseases known to cause specific eye changes, such as diabetes. However, eye doctors may refer you to your primary care doctor for absolute confirmation. You'll also need to go to your physician for treatment of the non-visual aspects of your condition.

What Else Can Eye Exams Detect?

Comprehensive eye exams can detect many problems that affect the eyes alone. Glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and basic refractive errors are all detected upon proper examination. These issues often have nothing to do with body-wide disease processes, but many of them will steal your sight over time if they are not treated.

Treatment of Detected Problems

When you are found to have an eye problem known to be related to a general health issue, you'll get treatment from two or more types of doctors. Your eye doctor will provide treatment for the eye-related aspects of the disease, and you'll be referred to a primary care doctor for the rest. If you have an issue that only affects the eyes, your optometrist will usually provide all of your treatment. In select cases, you may be referred to a different type of eye specialist.

Contact Our Local Eye Doctor for an Eye Exam Today

To get an eye exam in Sacramento, just make an appointment with us here at Arena Eye Care Optometry. Dr. Krister L. Holmberg and Dr. Shephali Patel are happy to help. Our phone number is (916) 419-8167.

Hours of Operaton

Our Regular Schedule

Monday

9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Tuesday

9:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Wednesday

10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Thursday

9:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Friday

9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed

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