Why Is Eye Care Equally Important in Health Care?

When you think about your healthcare, your focus is likely on the health of your heart and lungs. You probably think of the importance of a healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding unhealthy habits that damage those organs. But other, smaller organs are also central to your health, and it’s just as important to care for them—and yet, many people don’t give them a second thought, especially if they function perfectly well already. We’re speaking, of course, about your eyes. Maintaining your eye health and visiting an eye doctor in Orlando, FL, regularly is just as important as seeing your primary care provider for an annual checkup. Why is your eye health so important to your overall healthcare? Keep reading to find out.

Stop the Progression of Eye Diseases

You receive regular checkups with your doctor to help catch and treat conditions early on. Early detection and treatment for conditions like cancer and hypertension can prevent more serious health complications later on. This is just as true for your eye health as it is for your overall health. Most eye diseases are progressive, which means they will worsen the longer they go without treatment.

Everything from eye cancer and retinal detachment to macular degeneration and cataracts can be treated more effectively if they’re caught early. In some cases, if the condition goes untreated for an extended period of time, it can result in permanent vision loss. Seeing your optometrist regularly can prevent this from happening to you.

Prevent Secondary Health Issues

In certain cases, problems with your eye health can lead to secondary problems that impact your overall health and well-being. For example, something as simple as not having the correct prescription for your glasses or contacts (or not having prescription lenses at all when you genuinely need them) can lead to other issues with your health. You might develop persistent headaches that interfere with your ability to focus; your ability to drive may even be compromised, putting you at a higher risk of being in an auto accident.

Other eye health problems, like chronic dry eyes, can lead to eye infections; if left untreated, these kinds of infections can even spread to other parts of the body. While it may not seem like your eye health would impact your other bodily systems, it’s important to remember that everything in the body is connected, and maintaining your eye health can impact the health of other systems as well.

Detect Underlying Medical Conditions

People say the eyes are the window to the soul, but in reality, the eyes can actually be a window into your current health. Several different medical conditions can impact your eyes, and a visit to your optometrist may reveal underlying medical conditions you didn’t know you had. Two common conditions that can often be brought up during an eye exam are diabetes and hypertension. During your examination, your optometrist may be able to detect signs in your eye health that indicate you have one of these health issues. This can allow you to visit your primary care physician to receive a formal diagnosis and get the necessary treatment.

Your eye health is not something that should be taken lightly. While you may not need to visit an optometrist on a yearly basis, depending on your current eye health and medical history, you should have an optometrist that you see every few years at least. If it’s been a while since you’ve seen an optometrist, look for an eye center near me, such as Bay Hill Eye Care. Our experienced optometrists can provide you with the care you need for healthier eyes—and, as a result, better overall health.