The board-certified optometrists at our eye exam center in Palm Beach County highlight some health conditions that could impact your vision.
Your eyes offer a window into your overall health and can help diagnose many serious ailments. Although changes in vision are not unusual and are common as we age, they could point to an undetected health issue. Annual checkups by your eye doctor will help determine if a chronic disease is impacting your vision.
Diabetes: According to the National Institutes of Health, diabetes is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States. Consistently high blood sugar levels can result in blurred vision or the inability to see at night. Diabetes also increases the risk for severe eye conditions like glaucoma and retinal detachments and can cause aggressive cataract development.
High blood pressure: When undetected, high blood pressure (or hypertension) can significantly damage many parts of the body including your eyes. An increase in pressure inside of the blood vessels within the eye can lead to a stroke in the eye or can cause bleeding in the eye, impacting your vision. If left untreated, it could lead to permanent vision loss.
Multiple sclerosis: This chronic autoimmune disorder impacts several bodily functions including vision, balance, strength, and coordination. Ocular symptoms manifest in some 30% of patients even before their MS diagnosis. Symptoms may include double vision, eye pain, eye strain, or blurred vision. These symptoms can be treated and controlled with the proper diagnosis and medication.
Viral infections: Not many know that viral infections like herpes, shingles, and pink eye can impact eye health. Severe infections can cause inflammation and scarring, resulting in permanent vision loss and recurrent episodes of the same viral infection. Early detection and treatment are critical to reducing the risk of scarring.
Thyroid: Bulging eyes can be a sign of thyroid disease. Dry eyes, double vision, and thinning eyebrows may also be signs of thyroid disease.
Liver disease: There is a strong link between liver and eye health. Yellowing of the eyes is usually a sign of liver disease or damage. Both hepatitis and cirrhosis turn the whites of your eyes yellow.
Loss of vision interferes with an individual’s ability to perform daily tasks like driving, using the telephone, grocery shopping, etc. which impacts independence and quality of life. Several studies also show that poor vision causes depression and anxiety in many people. And a report published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that a decrease in the ability to complete instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) increased the risk of death. These are reasons enough to make sure that routine eye care is a priority for everyone in your family.
At SeaView Eyecare, our board-certified optometrists use sophisticated diagnostic equipment to detect and treat vision problems and eye diseases such as the pink eye. A welcoming environment puts you and your kids completely at ease.
From eye exams to vision correction and emergency eye care, our dedicated team provides comprehensive optical services for thousands of adults and children in the Wellington and Lake Worth areas. With extensive experience in treating adult and children’s eye diseases, we help you maintain optimal ocular health. If you or your child has eye pain or an eye infection, call us right away. We provide emergency eye care after-hours for existing patients.
Come and see our stylish selection of sunglasses and prescription eyewear for adults and children. We can also tailor the eye exam and prescription eyewear for protection from several types of light (including computer screen, headlights, and UV light) as well as a specific hobby or interest.
Our state-of-the-art SeaView optometric eye care center in Lake Worth provides comprehensive services for your whole family. We have invested in the latest diagnostic tools to provide you with prescriptions for the clearest vision as well as to detect any eye problems. An extensive range of eyewear and sunglasses helps cater to diverse tastes. If we do not have the frames you desire, we will be happy to order them for you! As contracted providers for most insurance plans, we can help you make optimal use of your benefits to maintain healthy eyes.
Call SeaView Eyecare at 561-790-7290 or contact us online to schedule an appointment at our eye exam center in Palm Beach County.