Here in the middle of winter is a good time to reflect on thoughts and plans for Spring and the upcoming year. Many of us are hard on the winter diet that stated as a New Year's Resolution and are hopefully hitting full stride. With limited outdoor activity, there is more time for hours in the Gym and for an overall tune up.
This is a good time to schedule your annual eye examination. Today's eye exam is more than a refraction for new glasses or contacts but an overall review of your vision and general health. The visit will review your blood pressure, and body mass index and the doctor can get a direct look at your circulating blood stream on the face of the retina and often detect evidence of hypertension, diabetes, or high cholesterol.
Why does an eye doctor care about these general health issues? There are several answers to this question but the most important is that chronic systemic medical problems will affect your eyes and vision over your lifetime. Complications from diabetes or from the use of some of the medicines to control diabetes can lead to vision loss or blindness. Uncontrolled blood pressure can lead to a stroke that often affects vision and the movements of the eyes.
Our team here are the Edmonds Group and our clinical practices are devoted to a lifetime of good vision and ocular health. Call and make a date to see one of us while you are doing your winter tune up. We want everybody to be able to clearly see the first signs of Spring!