Dealing with Various Medical IssuesDealing with Various Medical Issues

You may have heard that corny old joke where somebody complains about their eyesight, and another person takes them outside, points to the sun and ask them if they can see it. When they confirm that they can, the punchline asks them just how far they really want to see. Joking aside, you may have noticed that your eyesight is not as good as it used to be and realise that you haven't been to see an optometrist for some time. While a visit at this stage would be advantageous to see if you need glasses or contact lenses, you should also schedule a regular visit for other reasons. Why is this important?

Window to the Body 

More than any other part of your body, the eye is capable of telling a skilled optometrist many different secrets about your general health. This is because the blood vessels in the eye react to any health issues, and opticians are specially trained to look for these during a routine eye examination.

Diabetes

For example, they may be able to see evidence of early diabetes. This is one of the most challenging diseases across Australia as you may know, and it can sometimes lead to blood vessel leakage within the eye, due to elevated levels of glucose.

Blood Pressure or Cholesterol

On the other hand, you may have high blood pressure and don't realise it, although there will be some evidence of haemorrhaging within the eye that can be seen during a checkup. Sometimes, higher levels of "bad" cholesterol can become evident at the same time.

Eye Conditions

The eye is certainly a very complicated thing, and as you age, it can be at risk from a variety of different conditions. For example, pressure may begin to build up and lead to damage within the eye, as nerve fibres begin to deteriorate and in this case, you need to be careful to treat this condition, known as glaucoma. Once again, this can come on without warning and gradually affect your sight until you lose your vision, so it's something to be reckoned with.

Best to Be Sure

Of course, you may just be experiencing the onset of age and the need to get corrective vision treatment, like millions of other Australians. Pick up the phone and make the appointment so that you can get a thorough checkup from the professional. You may feel as if everything else is perfectly okay, but it's best if you know so that you can intervene as necessary.