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Reston   (703) 485-2148 Leesburg   (703) 777-1244
Reston   (703) 485-2148 Leesburg   (703) 777-1244



How Routine Eye Exams Can Spot Serious Problems

eye examsEye exams might feel like yet another chore that needs to be tackled, like going to the dentist or getting the oil changed on your car.  But don’t put off your eye exam just yet – eye exams can help ensure that you enjoy healthy vision for the rest of your life.

In fact, regular eye exams can even help save it.

Take, for example, this story about a patient who went to his ophthalmologist for a routine eye exam.  He walked in expecting just another normal day – and walked out with an appointment to see his cardiologist.  His ophthalmologist had spotted a tiny blood clot in his eye – a clot that later proved to be the rest of a massive blockage near his heart.  If not for his eye exam, he could have ended up experiencing massive heart failure.

Your eyes are more than just windows to your soul – they’re also windows into your overall health and well-being.  Your eye provides your ophthalmologist with a clear view of your nerves, blood vessels, and tissues, much of which are connected to the most important organs in your body.  If there’s a problem in your eyes, your ophthalmologist may discover a problem elsewhere. This advantage is only available to an ophthalmologist, as any other doctor would need to perform surgery to see your blood vessels, nerves, and tissue.

Image from webmd.com
Image from webmd.com

One of the biggest diseases that ophthalmologists can catch is diabetes, as it tends to change the shape and size of the blood vessels in the retina (this is known as diabetic retinopathy).  Strangely enough, your ophthalmologist may know you have diabetes before your doctor does, as your blood sugar tests might not reveal this condition before your retinas do.

Eye exams don’t have to be a hassle, especially considering how important they are to your health.  The typical eye exam should only take 45 to 90 minutes, which isn’t that long, considering all the benefits it has.  After the age of 40, you should start going in for comprehensive eye exams.

As you can see, an eye exam can make all the difference in ensuring you live a long and happy life.  Schedule an appointment with Dr. Jacqueline Griffiths at NewView Eye Center in Reston, VA today. NewView Eye Center also serves patients in the greater Washington, DC area.

To learn more simply fill out the form in the top left corner or call 703-834-9777.