Can an eye exam save your life?

As optometrists we are always discussing the benefits of getting your eyes examined regularly. Most people can appreciate the importance of annual eye exams in detecting eye disease, but did you know that getting your eyes checked might just save your life?

At MVO we include a detailed examination with Optomap ultra-widefield retinal imaging. This laser-based scan is fast, painless and is often done without the need to dilate the pupils with drops. Our optometrist reviews the image with you in the exam room to determine if any risk factors exist.

The image is a scan of a patient’s retina. The red branching lines are the blood vessels. The eye is the only place in the human body where this type of blood vessel can be easily visualized.

Why do we want to see the blood vessels?

Many disease states of the body can be revealed by analyzing the blood vessels for signs of a problem. In this case the patient has a blockage of one of the blood vessels in the retina (circled area in photo). Called a “retinal embolism” or Hollenhorst plaque, it’s made up of cholesterol and came from a larger blood vessel elsewhere in the body.

Hollenhorst plaques found in the retina will prompt a phone call from your optometrist to your family doctor for special testing. The concern is that similar plaques could end up in the brain, causing a stroke or even death.

These plaques, if isolated to the retina, may or may not cause any symptoms whatsoever. If small enough, the blood may work its way around them, but if slightly larger the plaques may cause a loss of blood flow and even loss of vision.

A retinal embolism is just one type of serious condition that can be diagnosed during a routine eye exam. Other life-threatening conditions that have been detected by optometrists during routine testing include brain tumours, diabetes, and cancer.

An annual eye exam is a worthwhile investment that can pay off by giving you clearer vision. It may also result in even more significant benefits to the future of your vision and overall health.
-Dr. Wilk