Let me tell you a short story that will change the way you think about what happens when you get your eyes checked.
My patient sat in my chair with sincere concern about her prescription. She said, “Doc, please fix these contacts! Everything is so blurry with them. I think my numbers have changed.” I checked the prescription and even the very best glasses or contacts could not get her to see clearly. My heart dropped for her. Luckily, I had the ability to see the entire back part of her eye with the best eye camera and I could not believe what I saw.
There was bleeding all around the nerve that connects the eyes to the brain. The blood vessels and nerves were popping at the seams. I knew, right away, this poor lady had high blood pressure and was going to need to go to the emergency room STAT. I checked the blood pressure to get a numerical reading of the severity of the condition and found a blood pressure of 220/115. This poor lady was on the verge of a stroke and possible death.
Thankfully, this patient was able to make it to the emergency room and was in excellent care. They helped to lower her blood pressure and put her at ease assuring her that her life would not be compromised. When she was released from the hospital, she returned to my office with improved vision and tears of joy in her eyes. She could not be more thankful that she was seen at our practice and promised to refer her friends and family.
It is important to note that the blood vessels in the eyes are some of the most fragile blood vessels in the body. Diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes often show up in the eyes first. For that reason, a thorough eye health check is absolutely the most important part of a complete eye exam.
At Caruso Eye Care, we are lucky to have the ability to see the entire back part of the eye in less than 4 minutes without the need for drops. We use the most advanced technology in the form of the Optomap wide-field retina imaging that finds disease that often goes undiagnosed by the naked eye.
If you have not set up your annual eye health checkup, be sure to call Caruso Eye Care at 561-649-9898 to set up your appointment today. At Caruso Eye Care, happiness is helping you see and saving your life.