Why an Eye Exam?
Jesus, the Great Physician, had something interesting to say about the human eye:
“The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness.” (Matthew 6:22-23)
While the Lord was talking about the way our eye views riches in this passage (one aspect of our soul health), it can also be rightly said that the eye can be a window into one’s overall physically health, too.
Most people reserve a visit to the eye doctor (ophthalmologist) for the few-and-far-between times when their vision is weakening, or perhaps when they have an infection directly affecting their eye(s). This infrequent, haphazard eye care regimen, can leave the opportunity to catch many a disease process while there’s still time to alter its progression unrealized.
Ask any ophthalmologist and they will adamantly stand by the fact that many sight-threatening diseases can be slowed, or even cured, with early diagnosis and proper treatment. Diseases which your eye doctor can help to identify during your examination include, but are not limited to: diabetes, skin cancer, high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases, and even brain tumors!
So, round out your healthcare this year with a trip to an ophthalmologist (not merely an optometrist). Your eyes are two gifts you most definitely do not want to lose!