- High blood cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Diet high in saturated fats and cholesterol
- Excessive alcohol use
- Family history of heart disease
- Physical inactivity
- Tobacco use
Heart Disease and Your Eyes
Did you know that you have two secret weapons you’re born with that can help you manage your health for a long time? Your eyes, of course! At least three of the risk factors mentioned above can be detected through a comprehensive eye exam.
That’s because comprehensive eye exams provide the only non-invasive view of blood vessels and the optic nerve. As a result, eye doctors can detect early signs of chronic diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure (hypertension), and diabetes before any healthcare provider. One study found that eye doctors were the first to identify signs of diabetes 34 percent of the time, high blood pressure 39 percent of the time, and high cholesterol 62 percent of the time.
Thankfully, your eye doctor can help spot early signs of heart disease during a comprehensive eye exam.
Make your annual appointment today.