Many people don’t realize that when one part of your body is unhealthy, other parts can be affected as well. Eyes are an essential part of our daily existence.

We use them to drive, work, play and perform endless tasks throughout the day. When our eyes are not in peak condition, it can have a negative impact on our overall general health.

Your eyesight can gradually change over time, and you may not even be aware that you need a stronger prescription or glasses at all. An eye exam can often be as effective as a physical in determining your health. With the arrival of a new year and the start of new insurance benefits, comes the opportunity to schedule comprehensive eye exam with an eye doctor at Village Eyecare in Chicago.

Your eyes – A window into your health

There are so many eye related and other health issues that can be detected through the eyes, making regularly scheduled eye exams with a Chicago eye doctor from Village Eyecare even more important. The following are just a number of eye health issues that may be discovered during a Village Eyecare comprehensive eye exam:

• Dry Eye: Environments that dry out the tear film, such as extreme heat and air conditioning, can cause dry eye syndrome. Other causes of dry eye syndrome can include collagen vascular diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, and more. Learn More >>
• Glaucoma: Glaucoma can damage the eyes optic nerve, and can also cause blindness and loss of vision. You can protect your eyes from serious vision impairment if you seek early treatment from an eye care professional. Learn More >>
• Cataracts: Cataracts are often associated with aging, and can occur in either or both eyes. Certain diseases like diabetes, alcohol and smoking, and also prolonged sun exposure are linked to cataracts. Learn More >>
• Retinal Detachment: Symptoms can include little floaters or cobwebs within your vision range, or a curtain appearing within your field of vision. Retinal detachment is a serious medical issue, and should be treated immediately. Learn More >>
• Macular Degeneration: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease associated with aging that gradually destroys sharp, central vision needed for seeing objects clearly and completing daily tasks. Learn More >>
• Diabetics Retinopathy: Diabetes affects the small capillaries in the retina of the eyes. These blood vessels may leak blood or a yellowish fluid, and this may be discovered in an eye exam. If your eye doctor notices this condition. Learn More >>

In addition, an eye exam can reveal many other conditions that can affect your overall health such as:

• Inflammation: Inflammation and uveitis is irritation of the uvea — the middle layer of your eye that contains of theciliary body, iris and choroid.
• Allergies: Burning, redness, and itchiness are all symptoms of allergies that can be caused by both outdoor and indoor allergens, as well as irritants like smoking, chemicals, etc.
• Infection: Discharge, redness, swollen eyes, and blurred vision are some of the indication of a viral, bacterial, or fungi related eye infection.

As nationally renowned Beverly Hills Ophthalmologist Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler commented to the Digital Journal, it is your eye doctor that could be the one to initially detect serious health issues such as autoimmune disorders, high cholesterol, hypertension, cancer, thyroid disease, and more. Highlighting the importance of routine comprehensive eye exams.

Village Eyecare exams

An eye doctor at Village Eyecare in Chicago provides comprehensive exams for everyone; from youth to seniors. The latest technology is used by qualified, professional eye doctors so you’re assured the best care. Consistent eye exams are essential for detecting problems that can result in irreversible vision loss or poor eye health.

Think of regular eye exams as preventative, and as a way to maintain good overall health. During your visit your eye doctor will perform a series of tests, none which cause pain or discomfort.

If you’re ready to take charge of your eye health in 2016, schedule an appointment with a Village Eyecare doctor today.