Regular eye exams do more than update your prescription—they can uncover serious health conditions long before symptoms appear. So, what diseases can be detected in an eye exam? Comprehensive eye exams can detect a wide range of eye diseases, including glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease. In some cases, an eye exam can even reveal signs of systemic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
Routine eye exams are a simple yet powerful way to safeguard your vision and overall health. Even if your eyesight seems fine, some conditions develop silently and progress without warning. Early detection through regular eye exams can help you take action before irreversible damage occurs.
What Happens During an Eye Exam?
A comprehensive eye exam is a detailed evaluation of both your vision and eye health. Unlike a basic vision screening, a full exam checks for a variety of eye diseases and general health issues that may affect your eyes.
How often you should get an eye exam depends on your age, health, and risk factors. Children, adults, and seniors each have different needs, and people with chronic conditions like diabetes may need more frequent checkups. A thorough eye exam might include:
- A review of your personal and family health history
- Visual acuity testing (reading the eye chart)
- Refraction testing to determine your lens prescription
- Binocular vision testing to check how your eyes work together
- Examination of the retina and optic nerve
- Intraocular pressure testing to screen for glaucoma
Eye Conditions That Can Be Detected in an Eye Exam
Many serious eye diseases don’t show early warning signs. That’s why eye exams are essential—even when your vision feels normal. Here are some of the most common conditions an eye exam can detect:
Cataracts
Cataracts develop when the clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy, often due to aging. This can cause blurry vision, faded colours, glare from lights, or difficulty seeing at night.
Eye doctors can spot cataracts during a routine exam using a slit lamp and other imaging tools. Early cataracts may be managed with updated glasses, while more advanced cases can be treated with surgery to replace the cloudy lens.
Glaucoma
Known as the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma damages the optic nerve—often without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Elevated eye pressure is a common risk factor, but glaucoma can also occur with normal pressure levels.
A comprehensive eye exam can detect early signs of glaucoma by measuring intraocular pressure and examining the optic nerve. If diagnosed early, treatments like prescription eye drops, laser therapy, or surgery can help prevent or slow vision loss.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
AMD affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. It’s one of the leading causes of vision loss in people over 50.
There are two types:
- Dry AMD, which progresses slowly over time
- Wet AMD, which can cause rapid and severe vision loss
Eye exams can detect subtle signs of AMD through imaging techniques like optical coherence tomography (OCT) and retinal photography. Early diagnosis allows for better management, especially with lifestyle changes, supplements, or medications that can slow progression.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetes can damage blood vessels in the retina, leading to diabetic retinopathy—a condition that may cause blurred vision, dark spots, or even blindness if untreated.
The early stages often show no symptoms, making regular diabetic eye exams essential. Using retinal imaging and dilation, eye doctors can monitor changes and catch issues before they lead to serious complications.
What Other Health Issues Can Eye Exams Reveal?
Your eyes offer a unique and noninvasive way to assess your overall health. Because the retina and blood vessels in the eye are directly visible, eye exams can reveal signs of systemic conditions that might otherwise go unnoticed.
- High blood pressure (hypertension): This can cause changes in the small blood vessels in the retina, such as narrowing, bleeding, or fluid leakage. These signs—known as hypertensive retinopathy—can indicate that your blood pressure is not well controlled.
- High cholesterol: Fatty deposits or yellowish plaques in the blood vessels of the retina may be a sign of elevated cholesterol levels, which could increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
- Autoimmune disorders: Conditions such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis can lead to inflammation in different parts of the eye, such as uveitis, which may be visible during an eye exam. Chronic inflammation can cause pain, sensitivity to light, and blurred vision.
- Neurological conditions: Swelling of the optic nerve (optic disc edema) may indicate increased intracranial pressure or neurological issues such as multiple sclerosis or even brain tumours. Visual symptoms like double vision or vision loss may also prompt further neurological investigation.
If your optometrist detects any signs that point to a systemic health concern, they may refer you to your family physician or a specialist for further testing. In this way, an eye exam can be an important part of your overall preventive healthcare.
Stay Proactive About Your Vision
An eye exam is more than just a checkup for your glasses—it’s a window into your overall well-being. Whether you’re managing an ongoing condition or simply staying ahead of age-related changes, regular eye exams are one of the best ways to protect your sight and health.At Southwood Eyecare, we provide comprehensive eye exams tailored to your needs, using innovative technology to support early detection and personalized care. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear, book your appointment today and take a proactive step toward lasting vision health.
