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What Do Your Eyes Reveal About Your Heart?
Posted by: Georgia Eye Associates in News
February often brings thoughts of heart-shaped candies and heart-themed décor for Valentine’s Day, but more importantly, it should make you think about your heart health, too! February is Heart Health Month, a time to focus on heart health and disease prevention. However, many don’t realize that the eyes and heart are not just connected but interdependent. The eyes reveal a lot about someone’s health and often indicate underlying severe health issues, which is why an eye exam can be a lifesaver.
Major Risk Factors for Heart Disease
- High blood pressure (also known as hypertension)
- High cholesterol and diabetes — can also cause Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), Diabetic Retinopathy, and Retinal Vein Occlusion.
This damage to your eyes can occur for years before you even begin to experience any symptoms. If left untreated, it can permanently impact your sight.
Why Do We Encourage Patients to Focus on Their Eyes for Heart Health Month?
During a comprehensive eye exam, your eye doctor will check for common eye diseases, assess how your eyes work together as a team, and evaluate them as an indicator of your overall health. Comprehensive eye exams provide the only noninvasive view of blood vessels and the optic nerve.
The American Heart Association’s “Life’s Simple 7” program targets seven areas that impact heart health and offers tips to reduce your risk of heart disease, which is also beneficial for your eye health:
Manage Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for heart disease and stroke. When your blood pressure stays within healthy ranges, you reduce the strain on your heart, arteries, and kidneys, which keeps you healthier for longer. Managing your blood pressure eliminates the risk of blood vessel damage (retinopathy).
Control Cholesterol
High cholesterol contributes to plaque, which can clog arteries and lead to heart disease and stroke. When you control your cholesterol, you give your arteries the best chance to remain clear of blockages. High cholesterol levels may also affect your eyes and lead to blockages in your retina.
Reduce Blood Sugar
Most of our food is turned into glucose (or blood sugar), which our bodies use for energy. Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves. High blood sugar not only damages blood vessels in your eyes, but it can also affect the shape of your lenses and make your vision blurry.
Get Active
Living an active life is one of the most rewarding gifts you can give yourself and those you love. Daily physical activity increases your quality of life. Running or walking for 30 minutes a day can help reduce your risk of age-related cataracts.
Eat Better
A healthy diet is one of your best weapons for fighting cardiovascular disease. Eating a heart-healthy diet improves your chances of feeling good and staying healthy. Researchers have linked eye-friendly nutrients, such as lutein, vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc, to reducing the risk of certain serious eye diseases like age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. You can find these nutrients in fruits, nuts, and green leafy vegetables.
Lose Weight
When you shed unnecessary pounds, you not only reduce the burden on your heart, lungs, and blood vessels, but you also invest in a healthier future. You give yourself the gift of active living, lower your blood pressure, help yourself feel better, and adopt a healthy lifestyle that supports your overall eye health.
Stop Smoking
Cigarette smokers have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your health. When you stop smoking, you decrease your chances significantly of developing cataracts or AMD.
If you have not yet had your comprehensive eye exam, now is the time! Regular eye exams are not just a routine; they are an essential part of health maintenance. If you have noticed changes in your vision, take the proactive step and call us today!
This heart health month, say it with your eyes and schedule your eye exam!
