Optician issues alert as worrying health issues can be detected in eyes

Optician issues alert as worrying health issues can be detected in eyes An optician has issued an alert to people as eyes can expose worrying health issues. They have been told they may need to take action quickly We all need to look after our eyes, as sometimes they can be impacted so much that vision may not be able to be restored. However, there are methods you can use to detect if there may be an underlying problem. You may not realise, but your eyes can actually reveal a great deal about your overall health, which is why it's crucial to have them examined on a regular basis. Marios Antoniades, Dispensing Optician and Director of Quality Eyes, explained that when an optometrist peers through the pupil, they can uncover far more than simply whether you need updated lenses. In fact, it's worth paying attention to the expert guidance, as a straightforward eye test can tell you an enormous amount. Previously, one person actually opened up about how his life changed when an optician spotted something in his eye. Marios said: "All the tiny vessels, the optic nerve and the tissues at the back of the eye can be seen through the pupil. So, a routine eye examination can allow us to spot changes that you may not feel or notice yourself." There are several significant health conditions that a routine eye examination can detect, and the vast majority of people are completely unaware of this. Diabetes If you already live with diabetes, you'll likely know that you need to attend NHS diabetic eye screening appointments to check for diabetic retinopathy. However, if you remain undiagnosed, your optometrist may well pick up on certain signs that you need to be made aware of. Diabetes can manifest in the eyes through tiny leaks or bleeds from the retina's small blood vessels, or swelling around the macula. With the right treatment, diabetic retinopathy can be managed or even prevented entirely. However, if left untreated, it can result in vision loss, which is just one reason why keeping on top of your eye tests is so important. High blood pressure While an optometrist cannot diagnose high blood pressure from an eye examination alone, they can spot symptoms that warrant a trip to your GP. The retinal arteries may appear narrowed or kinked. At points where an artery crosses a vein, the vessels can look as though they are pinching or compressing one another. This is typically a sign of hypertensive retinopathy; nothing to panic about, but certainly worth getting checked out. High cholesterol Again, you would need to visit your GP for a full diagnosis, but a pale ring around the coloured part of the eye (corneal arcus), yellowish patches around the eyelids (xanthelasma) and retinal vein blockages can all be indicators of high cholesterol, particularly when found in younger people. High cholesterol is straightforward to treat, especially when caught early. Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as a Preferred Source in your Google search settings. Raised pressure inside the skull This particular condition can sound rather alarming, and typically requires an urgent referral, though it is not especially widespread, so there's no need to panic. Nevertheless, one of the most crucial reasons to have an eye test is so that specialists can check for swelling of the optic disc, where the optic nerve exits the back of the eye. This is known as papilloedema, and is triggered by a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid around the brain. While uncommon, it is vital to identify should it be present. Glaucoma This is the condition that everybody has heard of, yet few truly understand. It refers to a collection of conditions that cause damage to the optic nerve, and an eye test is essentially the only means of detecting it. An optometrist can examine the nerve, measure pressure within the eye and assess the visual field. They may also employ imaging techniques, such as an OCT scan, to help evaluate structural changes. The issue with glaucoma is that peripheral vision is frequently affected first, meaning you could continue to read, drive and work without noticing any difference. However, because vision lost through glaucoma cannot be recovered, early detection is absolutely critical, which is precisely why regular eye tests are so essential. "The risk of glaucoma is probably the main reason I wouldn't ever delay a routine eye test," added Marios. "By the time you notice a problem with your side vision, there may already have been damage. "The aim of an eye test is to find changes early, when there is something we can do about them." Essential information The reassuring news is that for most people, an eye examination will be an entirely routine affair. However, getting tested provides peace of mind that your eyes are in good health, regardless of whether you require glasses or not. It is advised that everyone gets their eyes tested at least once every two years, or more frequently if your optometrist recommends it. While the cost of an eye test typically ranges from around £25 to £50, they are completely free for everyone aged 60 and over in England and Wales, as well as those with certain medical conditions (including diabetes and glaucoma) and those in receipt of certain benefits. Bear in mind that if you wear contact lenses and regularly reorder them online because your eyesight appears fine, it is still worthwhile getting your eyes tested, as eye health can be difficult to monitor. An eye test is about far more than whether your glasses prescription is still up to scratch. It is a chance to thoroughly examine the eyes themselves and, on occasion, to detect something you had absolutely no idea was there.