Most people don't think a comprehensive eye exam could save their life. But the truth is that in many cases, a comprehensive exam can detect much more than eye disease.
That's one reason that Advanced Eyecare recommends annual eye examinations to all of our patients, even in the absence of visual changes or symptoms. Read on to find out how a routine trip to the optometrist helped preserve Katie Dunn's vision and life!
How an Eye Exam Saved Katie's Life
Katie Dunn, a 30-year old beautician, visited her eye doctor for a comprehensive eye examination. During the exam, the optometrist noticed certain abnormalities in the back of her eye. Based on these findings, he recommended that she go for an MRI scan.
The MRI results displayed a large tumor that had been growing in her brain and pressing on her optic nerve. After two surgeries to remove the tumor and radiotherapy treatments, Katie is grateful to be doing well!
Katie's doctors and surgeons explained that, had the tumor gone undetected, she could have lost her vision completely and suffered other potentially life-changing health problems.
How Eye Exams Can Detect Other Health Problems
During a comprehensive eye exam, your optometrist may use special dilating drops to enlarge your pupils, allowing for a better look at the back of your eyes. This can help detect a wide range of problems, including brain tumors. Tumors located in the brain can often cause changes in the appearance of the optic nerve and retina, and these changes can be detected during a eye examination.
Eye exams can also help detect other medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and, more rarely, certain types of cancer. Early detection of these conditions can lead to prompt treatment and better outcomes.
So give us a call today to schedule your annual eye examination!
