Vision viewpoints: Eye health and whole body diseases
Your eyes are the window to the soul, the world…and to your overall health. It’s true: An eye exam can reveal a lot more about you beyond your vision health. Whole-body diseases, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, are sometimes first discovered by an eye specialist.
Dr. Chad Overman, Delta Dental of Iowa’s medical expert for DeltaVision®, reveals the surprising link between your eyes and whole-body diseases.
Q: How can an eye exam show signs of whole-body health issues?
Dr. Overman: During an eye exam, a vision specialist uses dilation to see inside your eye. This is a simple procedure and involves eye drops to widen your pupil (the black circle in the center of your eye). Dilation allows the provider to see inside the eye, the retina (a layer of nerve tissue in the back of your eye) and nearby blood vessels. This is the only way to view those vessels without surgery or doing an expensive scan. These blood vessels are essentially the same ones running throughout your body and give us great insight into the body’s overall health.
Q: What are some of the most common whole-body diseases that first show symptoms in the eyes?
Dr. Overman: Many diseases can first show symptoms in the eyes. Among the most common is diabetes, which can cause blurry vision or even vision loss. High blood pressure is another condition showing symptoms in the eyes, as it may lead to burst blood vessels in the eye or retinal damage. Autoimmune diseases like lupus can cause dry eye or inflammation. Thyroid issues can cause bulging eyes or double vision. Multiple sclerosis can also cause nerve problems in the eyes. Those are examples of the most common, but many other conditions can show symptoms in your eyes.
Q: What are some early warning signs in the eyes that might signal a bigger health issue?
Dr. Overman: Changes like blurry vision (retinopathy), sudden vision loss, persistent eye strain or losing your side vision (peripheral vision loss) can be red flags. If you experience them, see an eye care professional immediately to get to the root cause.
Q: What lifestyle changes can patients make to protect their eye health and overall health?
Dr. Overman: Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins A, C and E is good for total health and has specific benefits for eye health. Also, quitting smoking lowers the risk of vision conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration. Regular exercise improves blood circulation, which supports both eye and overall health. Wearing sunglasses is also important, as it protects against sun damage. Last but certainly not least: Scheduling yearly eye exams helps catch potential issues early, ensuring better long-term vision and well-being.
Q: What's the one key message you'd like people to remember about the importance of eye health to their overall well-being?
Dr. Overman: Your eyes are “windows” to your overall health, often revealing signs of conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure or neurological disorders before other symptoms appear. A yearly eye exam isn’t just about vision — it’s a head start in catching potential health issues early, allowing for better treatment and prevention. Prioritizing eye care helps protect both your sight and your total-body health.
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DeltaVision® perks: The One & Sun™ Plan
Get rewarded for getting your annual vision exam! DeltaVision’s One & Sun™ plan offers eligible members a free pair of designer sunglasses simply for getting their annual eye exam.
This benefit is designed to encourage members to get their routine eye exams, which play an important role in detecting early signs of chronic health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes and autoimmune diseases.
Eye exams see more than vision health
Eye exams are not only important for clear vision, but they also reveal a lot about your overall health. Regular eye checks can detect early signs of whole-body conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, so keeping regular appointments is an important part of preventive health.
How the One & Sun program works
If you're a DeltaVision subscriber or a covered spouse on a plan that includes One & Sun, you're eligible to get a free pair of sunglasses every two years. Here's how it works:
- Get your annual eye exam: Complete your yearly eye exam using your DeltaVision benefits.
- Receive your redemption code: After DeltaVision processes your claim, you'll receive a unique redemption code in the mail in about a week.
- Choose your style: Visit oneandsun.com within 90 days of receiving your code and browse a selection of top-selling designer sunglasses.
- Redeem and enjoy: Enter your code and submit your order. Your sunglasses will arrive within 10 business days at no cost to you (yes, shipping is free).
Important details
- Only DeltaVision subscribers and their covered spouses are eligible. Children are not included in this program.
- Your eye exam must be paid by DeltaVision to qualify. If another plan covers the exam, you may need to apply for an exception.
- You can receive one free pair of sunglasses every two years.
- Non-prescription sunglasses only.
- Sunglasses are non-returnable and non-exchangeable. However, items that arrive damaged will be replaced free of charge.
Protect your eyes in style
Your vision is precious. With One & Sun, DeltaVision wants to help you protect it and look good doing it. Schedule your annual eye exam today, and keep an eye on your mailbox for your free designer sunglasses.
Interested in adding One & Sun to your plan? Contact your Delta Dental account manager for more information. You can also visit oneandsun.com to learn more and browse available styles.