Your eyes are your windows to the world. But to your eye doctor they're also windows to your overall health.

"The eyes are one of the body's most amazing organs. They reveal a great deal to an eye doctor who not only can detect early signs of cataract and macular degeneration but symptoms of hypertension, diabetes, stroke, high cholesterol and even multiple sclerosis," says Dr. Farid Eghbali, associate doctor at the Maloney Vision Institute, the premier Los Angeles laser eye surgery center.

Even if your vision is excellent or you've had vision correction surgery such as Los Angeles LASIK, a comprehensive eye exam once a year is recommended strongly, especially for adults, for early detection of both eye diseases and other health problems, Dr. Eghbali said.

What is a comprehensive eye exam and what can it reveal?

To begin with, said Dr. Eghbali, "The doctor will thoroughly review your family and personal health history. Your eyes will be tested to determine how clearly you see. Your eye pressure and field of vision will be tested to diagnose glaucoma. After your eyes have been dilated, we will be able to look inside your eyes for signs of a wide range of health problems."

For example, he said, approximately 16 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. Additionally, nearly 5 million are unaware they have diabetes which goes undiagnosed.

Vision loss leading to blindness occurs in as many as 24,000 diabetic patients every year. Visual impairment does not develop until the disease has advanced into its later stages. At this point, not even surgical vision correction Los Angeles can reverse vision loss. People with diabetes are 25 times more likely to become blind than are people without diabetes. However early signs of diabetic eye disease can be readily seen with an annual dilated pupil eye examination.

Not only is diabetic eye disease easily detected through an annual dilated eye examination but, when discovered in time, severe vision loss or blindness can be prevented. Diabetes also increases the risk of glaucoma, which has no warning signs, by 300 percent. Having regular eye examinations and being aware of the risk is among the best preventive measures you can take, Dr. Eghbali said.

If you need a recommendation of a general eye doctor or a Los Angeles LASIK surgeon in your area please visit our website at www.maloneyvision.com for the list of our affiliated doctors or call us at 310-208-3937.

Disclaimer: This blog or article is for information purpose only, and should not be treated a professional advise or price protection guarantee. This blog is mainly used for search engine optimization and other commercial purposes and it is advised that readers seek professional consultation in the field of interest for more information.