Cataract, Glaucoma, News, Oculofacial
May is Healthy Vision Month! Most people don’t think about visiting the eye doctor unless they have a glaring reason to do so. Patients often visit if they feel they could use some vision correction, such as glasses, contacts, or Vision Correction Surgery (LASIK), or if they are experiencing some discomfort or eye pain. The truth is, everyone should visit their family eye doctor regularly, as there are an abundance of things your eye exam can do for you beyond vision correction and addressing immediate concerns.
Maintaining healthy vision and overall general health is obviously the main goal. Did you know there are a slew of health issues that can be detected during an eye exam? For instance, glancing at the back of the eye may uncover some indications of Diabetes, Hypertension and Autoimmune disorders. Examining the outside of the eye may suggest High Cholesterol if there’s a yellowish tint or a yellow ring around the cornea, and bulging eyes may indicate Thyroid Disease.
Cataracts, glaucoma and oculofacial concerns are all common findings within a routine eye exam as well.
Cataracts are the clouding of the eye’s natural lens and can be treated by removing the old lens and replacing it with a new, intraocular lens implant.
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damages the optic nerve due to increased fluid and pressure within the eye. Lost vision from glaucoma cannot be restored, so early detection is crucial in preserving vision and undergoing treatments to try and halt or slow the progression.
Many patients are seen for droopy eyelids obstructing their vision, and are shocked to find out that insurance may cover the surgery to treat this.
Seeing your eye doctor regularly not only promotes healthy vision by addressing any immediate vision concerns you’re having, but also detecting any quiet, potential underlying issues.
A few of our surgeons will be featured on WCCO encouraging routine eye exams. Check out their clips!
Dr. Richard L. Lindstrom – Cataracts
Dr. Thomas W. Samuelson – Glaucoma
Dr. Jill S. Melicher – Oculofacial Treatments
