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Regular eye checkups can help detect vision problems and serious health conditions before symptoms appear.
Eye exams can also detect hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
For most people, an eye check-up means reading from a chart, adjusting their glasses, and getting on with the day. But an ophthalmologist’s examination is far more comprehensive than that. Modern eye tests are a gateway to detecting not only vision problems but also serious health conditions, often before any symptoms arise.
That’s why experts like Dr. Swetha Kudtarkar of Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, Hubli, and Dr. Sujatha T S from Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, Kalyan, emphasise the importance of regular eye exams. “Comprehensive eye examinations – including visual acuity testing, intraocular pressure checks, and retinal evaluation – can identify glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy before significant vision loss occurs,” says Dr. Kudtarkar.
Dr. Sujatha adds, “Routine check-ups can also reveal systemic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol, enabling patients to get treatment early.”
Early Detection of Silent Eye Diseases
Many sight-threatening conditions progress quietly. “Glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration often have no early symptoms,” explains Dr. Sujatha. “Vision loss is usually noticed at advanced stages, which is why early detection during routine check-ups is so crucial,” she adds. In children, exams can catch amblyopia, strabismus, or refractive errors; in adults, they help monitor for cataracts and age-related changes.
A Window Into Your Overall Health
Your eyes can reflect what’s happening in the rest of your body. “Changes in blood vessels or the optic nerve can indicate autoimmune diseases like lupus, brain tumours, or certain cancers,” says Dr. Kudtarkar. Eye doctors can also detect signs of high blood pressure or high cholesterol long before they cause symptoms elsewhere.
Preventing Vision Loss and Strain
An accurate, up-to-date prescription prevents unnecessary strain. Early intervention for glaucoma can stop optic nerve damage, while treatment for dry eye syndrome or computer vision strain improves daily comfort and productivity.
Don’t Ignore New Symptoms
Blurry vision, sudden floaters, flashes of light, or eye pain should never be dismissed. “These could indicate emergencies like retinal detachment or acute angle-closure glaucoma, which require immediate treatment,” warns Dr. Kudtarkar.
Routine eye exams are not just about clearer vision. They are a safeguard for your overall health. They are a lifesaver, ensuring one’s health, safety, and quality of life.
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Delhi, India, India
