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Health is in the eyes

6/ 8/2008

Q Why has my optician suggested I get my blood pressure and cholesterol checked by my GP? I am only 45 and consider myself to be of average health.

A People often forget that the eye examination is more than just a vision check for spectacles. It is equally important that the health of the eyes is studied too, not just for potential eye disease, but also for general health problems.

You probably won't have symptoms of high blood pressure or raised cholesterol, but that doesn't mean that it won't be occurring. When the optometrist looks into the back of your eyes, we are able to observe the retinal blood vessels quite easily.

These small arteries and veins will display abnormal characteristics in people with high blood pressure. The arterioles will narrow, white deposits may appear in the retina and constriction of the artery-vein junctions may occur.

The arteries become more reflective to the light (silver wiring) and the optic disc (where the optic nerve enters the eye) may become swollen. Small haemorrhages can also occur in the retinal tissue. With raised cholesterol, lipid deposits can form a white ring around the cornea, and whilst this is a common sign in the elderly, it can indicate a potential problem in all. Untreated, haemorrhaging of the vessels or complete obstruction may occur, leading to blindness or partial loss of vision. If some of these characteristics are observed by the optometrist, you will be referred back to your GP.

For a consultation with Martyn, call 0161 834 7798