Different parts of our body start giving us early signals about the disease we are about to develop. Some people ignore it, while others take it seriously. Recent research emphasizes that regular eye exams can be helpful not only for the eyes, but also for detecting heart disease. The retina contains many tiny blood vessels, which mirror the position of the blood vessels throughout our body. This is why doctors often detect early signs of heart disease during an eye exam, before a patient experiences chest pain, shortness of breath, or blood pressure problems. Let’s understand it in detail
How to know what the problem is
Any abnormality in the blood vessels in the retina can indicate a risk of high blood pressure, blockage, or stroke. Today, technologies like optical coherence tomography scans and artificial intelligence help doctors identify these subtle changes even more quickly.
Visual symptoms
People with heart disease sometimes experience specific changes in their retina. The first is the eye stroke. In this condition, the blood flow to the eye vessels is temporarily blocked, leaving small scars on the retina. This indicates that the eye is not getting enough oxygen and nutrition. Retinal damage comes second. Even mild damage to blood vessels can indicate pressure on blood vessels in the heart or elsewhere in the body, which can lead to heart problems in the future.
Why do heart diseases appear in the eyes?
Heart disease often progresses slowly and without symptoms. During this time, blood vessels in the body gradually weaken or become blocked. Because the blood vessels in the eyes are very thin and sensitive, damage becomes apparent quickly. These include:
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Thickened or narrowed veins
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Light discharge or bleeding from veins
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Blockage (eye stroke)
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Changes in the structure of the retina
American Academy of Ophthalmology Dr. Joseph Njegoda explains that OCT scans can not only show eye problems, but also major diseases such as heart and brain diseases. An image of the eye can help doctors determine whether heart disease is developing, they say. This is important because the sooner the disease is detected, the easier it can be treated and controlled.
Which people should pay more attention
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Everyone can benefit from regular eye exams, but some people may already notice symptoms, such as:
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Those who have high blood pressure disease
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Those who have high cholesterol disease
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Those who have type 2 diabetes
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Smokers or people who used to smoke but have quit.
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Those with a family history of heart disease are also at risk.
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Those who are above 40 years should also pay attention.