A whole range of conditions, from diabetes to high blood pressure, can be detected by simple eye tests.

Eye tests can be life savers.

Did you know that a simple eye test can not only detect potential problems with your vision it could also save your life? From cholesterol to high blood pressure and diabetes, a series of simple one minute tests can ensure you stay in optimum health.

On 13th September 2006 I carried out a special "Eye Clinic" for members of the public to put their minds at rest and their eyes to the test!

If you are a person who can't easily visit a high street optician for an eye test, then you might want to consider The Outside Clinic, a company that specialize in provide full eye care services to the housebound (and their carers). More information is available at www.theoutsideclinic.com

Eye conditions
Cataracts
A clouding of the eye's natural lens, which lies behind the iris and the pupil.

Those at risk: people over 70, (most 75 year olds have some kind of cataract formation - and don't know they have it) and people with a lot of sun exposure are at risk.

Symptoms: blurred, distorted vision. When looking at light at night, tend to see star shapes around e.g. street lamps. (rays coming out like a star's light). And things appear to be more red and yellow.

More information here

Dr Chris says: Avoid being in the sun too long and always wear uv glasses when exposed.

Glaucoma
A group of diseases of the optic nerve involving loss of retinal cells. There are two types, acute and chronic. The most common is chronic and It is caused by increased pressure in the eye.

Those at risk: people over 60, if it's in the family, more common in those of African decent, people who are very short sighted.

Symptoms: lose peripheral vision, it becomes blurred, when looking at light at night, may see halo's around e.g. street lamp. Sufferers may bump into objects at the edge of their vision.

Dr Chris says: Officially, everybody over 40 should be tested every two years for glaucoma.

Macular Degeneration
Those at risk: women more than men, over 70's, people who have been exposed to a lot of sunlight, smokers.

Symptoms: loss of central vision, unable to recognise faces in central vision, unable to read or watch TV, straight lines appear wavy.

Dr Chris says: This is the commonest form of blindness as people get older. If you have MD, stop smoking, don't stay in sun too long and wear high polaroid filter sunglasses. Certain foods may help including Icaps, a complementary tablet that contains powerful antioxidants that protect sensitive layers at back of the eye.

Other Conditions
Diabetes
Diabetes can be a very serious illness. It is estimated that there could be up to 1 million people in the UK with undiagnosed diabetes. If you have diabetes it can cause symptoms which can show up during an eye examination. It can also damage your eyesight so it is important to be checked regularly. Diabetes can affect the eye in a number of ways. The most serious eye condition associated with diabetes involves the retina, and, more specifically, the network of blood vessels lying within it. The name of this condition is diabetic retinopathy. This can be spotted during an eye examination by a qualified professional.

More information in this can be found here on the RNIB web site.

High cholesterol
A white ring in the coloured part of your eye (the iris) can be a sign of high cholesterol levels in your blood. This goes by the technical term arcus juvenilis in young people and arcus senilis in older people, where it is more likely to be caused by the effects of ageing.

You can see this yourself by looking in the mirror or having someone look at your eyes.

High blood pressure
High blood pressure can damage blood vessels in your eye (in the retina). The early signs of this can be detected by a professional eye exam. Left untreated this can lead to serious complications. Yet another reason to have your eyes checked regularly.

These are just some of the conditions that can be spotted during an eye exam, so your eyes really are the windows of your body!
This content was created on Wed 13 September 2006

More like this
Illnesses
Prevention
Use this page



Privacy Terms | Advertisers | Legal Disclaimer | Contact
© 2007 TheFamilyGP.com