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The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends everyone get a baseline eye exam by age 40, if not before (if everything looks good, your doctor can decide how often you should follow-up)
High blood pressure
Early signs of damage from high blood pressure can be detected in routine eye exam so potentially life-saving treatment can be initiated and adjusted as needed.
Diabetes
Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can cause serious vision problems and even blindness. Routine dilated eye exams are essential to monitor control of the disease.
Nutrition deficiency
Poor nutrition can cause a variety of problems-including dry, irritated eyes and blurry vision. Ask your eye doctor if dietary changes or supplement will help.
Autoimmune disease
Dry eyes and dry mouth can be waning signs of autoimmune disease called Sjögren’s syndrome, which damages glands that produce tears and saliva.
Cancer
Your doctor can check for sun damage that can cause cancer of eyelids and front of the eye.
Allergies
Red, itchy, watery eyes caused by allergies.
Liver problems
Yellow eyes could be sign of liver problem. See your doctor and general physician to make sure your eyes are healthy and a your liver is functioning normally.
Stroke
During a dilated eye exam, your eye doctor can examine the health of blood vessels in the retina and detect signs of increased risk of carotid artery disease and stroke.
Dementia
Amyloid protein that builds up in the brain in Alzheimer’s disease may appear in the retina as an early marker of the condition.
Colour vision changes
Changes in your colour vision may be sign early cataracts or other eye problems.
The author is a Consultant Eye Surgeon and Dry Eye Specialist
