Most people think of eye exams as a way to check vision or update prescriptions. But at VisionQuest Eyecare, a comprehensive eye exam goes far beyond the basics. These routine visits can help detect early signs of serious health conditions, even those unrelated to your vision.
Eye Exams: A View Into Your Health
The eyes are unique in that they allow doctors to view blood vessels and nerve tissue without invasive procedures. During a comprehensive eye exam, your optometrist can observe changes in the retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels, sometimes spotting signs of systemic health issues before symptoms appear elsewhere.
Conditions that can be detected through an eye exam include:
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Diabetes and diabetic retinopathy
- High cholesterol
- Autoimmune disorders
- Neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis or even early signs of stroke
By examining the inner structures of the eye, optometrists at VisionQuest Eyecare may detect abnormalities that suggest a patient needs further evaluation from a primary care provider or specialist.
The Importance of Sharing All Medications
One of the most overlooked parts of an eye exam is discussing your complete medical history and all the medications you take, not just those related to your eyes. This includes prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements.
Why is this so important? Many medications can affect the eyes in subtle or serious ways:
- Steroids may increase the risk of glaucoma or cataracts
- Antihistamines and decongestants can lead to dry eye
- Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications may cause blurred vision or light sensitivity
- Certain blood pressure medications can impact intraocular pressure
- Chemotherapy and immunosuppressants may trigger retinal or optic nerve complications
If your optometrist doesn’t have a full picture of your medication use, these side effects can be misinterpreted or missed entirely. That’s why VisionQuest Eyecare encourages every patient to bring an up-to-date list of medications to each appointment.
What to Expect During a Comprehensive Eye Exam
At both our Greenwood and Fishers offices, a comprehensive eye exam includes much more than a simple vision test. Using advanced diagnostic tools, our team evaluates your overall eye health while screening for signs of systemic conditions.
Key components of the exam may include:
- Visual acuity testing to measure how clearly you see at various distances
- Eye pressure measurement to screen for glaucoma
- Pupil dilation for a better view of the retina and optic nerve
- Retinal imaging and optical coherence tomography (OCT) to detect subtle structural changes
- Slit-lamp examination to observe the eye’s front structures and check for signs of inflammation or damage
These tools help uncover more than just vision problems, they also enable your doctor to detect health issues that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Why Choose VisionQuest Eyecare?
At VisionQuest Eyecare, we believe eye health is integral to overall wellness. Our team is trained to identify ocular symptoms that may reflect broader health issues, using industry-leading diagnostic equipment to deliver accurate, efficient care.
We offer:
- Comprehensive eye exams for all ages
- Diabetic eye exams and disease management
- Advanced imaging technology
- Personalized consultations that take into account your full medical history and medication use
Our Greenwood and Geist offices are fully equipped to meet the needs of families, individuals with chronic health conditions, and anyone looking for proactive, high-quality care.
Schedule Your Annual Eye Exam
An annual eye exam does more than protect your vision; it can provide crucial insight into your overall health. Whether you’re monitoring a chronic condition, starting a new medication, or simply staying on top of wellness, VisionQuest Eyecare is your trusted resource in Greenwood and Geist, Indiana.
Make sure to bring your full list of medications and share any health changes with your optometrist. This information helps us deliver the most effective and personalized care possible.
Don’t wait, schedule your eye exam today at VisionQuest Eyecare and take an important step toward better health and clearer vision.
Dr. Deanna Rankin is an experienced optometrist at VisionQuest Eyecare, with a specialization in ocular surface disease, pre and post-operative care, and ocular disease management. Born and raised in Greenwood, Indiana, Dr. Rankin loves to serve her community in her hometown.