You probably already know that it is a good idea to get regular eye exams. Unfortunately, not many people feel like their vision is a priority and often visit their eye doctor only when there’s something wrong with their eyes. 

But did you know that your eye check ups can give you more information about your health?

In truth, the eyes are the only part of the body that doctors can use to see a live view of your blood vessels without making an incision. Your veins and arteries are visible in your eyes that doctors can get life-saving information from them. 

Here’s how eye exams in Surrey can help save your life: 

Heart Disease May Be Detected

Aside from aneurysms and cancers, serious heart problems may also be detected during an eye exam. In many instances, optometrists save lives when they detect cardiovascular problems through eye exams when patients have no idea that they are suffering from one. 

Eye Exams Can Detect Diabetes

Diabetes is a serious condition that may also be detected by an eye doctor during an examination. Certain changes in vision or the presence of blood in the back of  the eye may be an indication of diabetes as these are among the condition’s earliest signs. Diabetic retinopathy is one of the causes of blindness so having regular eye exams not only detects diabetes but also helps you prevent blindness caused by this condition. 

How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam

If you wear glasses or contact lenses, it is best to get a n eye exam at least once a year. Healthy adults can get an eye exam every one or two years. 

Know that an eye exam performed at a typical optical chain is different from a comprehensive eye exam. A comprehensive eye exam is much more thorough. This is what you need if you want to keep your health and your eyes in  check. 

What Can You Expect from a Comprehensive Eye Exam?

• A review of the health history of your family to check for potential history of eye problems
• Evaluation of vision using an eye chart
• Checking for the presence of astigmatism, nearsightedness, farsightedness, and presbyopia
• Evaluation of the eyes’ ability to work together
• Eye pressure test
• Thorough examination of optic nerve to check for signs of glaucoma
• Thorough checking of the interior of the eyes to determine if there are problems like macular degeneration and cataracts
• Retinal imaging

Doctors typically make use of tools like an Optomap to thoroughly check the eye and diagnose certain health problems. The Optomap is an excellent tool as it lets doctors get a detailed view of the patient’s eyes without the need for the eyes to be dilated. Another advantage is that it efficiently takes a permanent record for the patient’s case that can be used as reference for every check up to see if there are any changes. 

Conclusion

As you can see, going for comprehensive eye exams in Surrey means you’re not just having the health of your eyes checked but your overall health as well. Because many conditions and diseases can be detected through an eye exam, it’s safe to say that getting regular eye exams can be a life-saving decision. So, if you’re still hesitant to get an eye exam or you don’t see how important it is, now is the time to change your belief. Get your eyes checked and stay on top of your health!

Abasa Optical is a reputable eye care center in Surrey, BC where you can get comprehensive eye exams regularly as well as have access to all your optical needs, whether you need frames and lenses, reading glasses, contacts, or others. Contact us today to schedule an eye exam or to know more about our optical products!