February is American Heart Month, a time to raise awareness about cardiovascular health and encourage heart-healthy habits. While most people know that blood pressure checks and cholesterol tests help monitor heart health, fewer realize that comprehensive eye exams can also detect cardiovascular conditions.1 The eyes provide a unique view into the body's vascular system, allowing eye care professionals to spot early signs of heart disease during an exam.
The connection between eye health and heart health
The retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye, contains a network of blood vessels that can reflect overall cardiovascular health.1 During a comprehensive eye exam, optometrists and ophthalmologists examine these vessels for signs of systemic diseases. Changes in retinal blood vessels may indicate conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes—all major risk factors for heart disease.2
Detecting hypertension through eye exams
Hypertension, often called a "silent killer," may not cause noticeable symptoms until significant damage has occurred.3 However, an eye exam can detect hypertensive retinopathy, a condition where high blood pressure affects the retinal blood vessels. Signs include narrowed arteries, bleeding, or fluid leakage, all of which can be seen during a dilated eye exam. Early detection of hypertensive retinopathy can prompt further cardiovascular evaluation and management, potentially helping prevent more severe complications.4
Identifying high cholesterol
Regular eye exams can help detect high cholesterol by revealing specific signs of lipid disorders. One such sign is arcus senilis, a yellow or blue ring around the cornea. While common in older adults, its presence in individuals under 40 may indicate elevated cholesterol levels.2
The role of eye exams in diabetes management
People with diabetes have twice the risk for heart disease.5 A common complication, diabetic retinopathy, occurs when high blood sugar damages the retinal blood vessels. Regular eye exams can detect early signs of diabetic retinopathy, enabling timely management of both eye health and cardiovascular risks. Early detection is essential for preventing vision loss and addressing the broader health effects of diabetes.2
Advancements in retinal imaging
Recent advancements in retinal imaging technology have improved the ability of eye care professionals to detect cardiovascular conditions. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides detailed images of the retinal layers, helping identify subtle changes linked to systemic diseases. These non-invasive imaging techniques can reveal early signs of heart disease, often before symptoms appear in other parts of the body.6
Promoting heart health through regular eye exams
Eye exams offer valuable insights into cardiovascular health, making them an essential part of regular healthcare. During American Heart Month, individuals are encouraged to schedule comprehensive eye exams—not only to protect vision but also to detect potential signs of heart disease. Early detection through eye exams allows for timely intervention, helping reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events.1
To learn more, speak with your EyeMed representative or visit eyemed.com
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1 “February is American Heart Month: Heart Health and the Eyes;” Partners for Sight Foundation; partnersforsight.org; February 2023.
2 “20 Surprising Health Problems an Eye Exam Can Catch,” American Academy of Ophthalmology, April 2024.
3 “High Blood Pressure–Understanding the Silent Killer,” FDA.gov, April 2024.
4 “Hypertensive Retinopathy”; Cleveland Clinic; my.clevelandclinic.org; June 2023
5 “Diabetes and your heart”; CDC; cdc.gov; May 2024.
6 “Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)”; Cleveland Clinic; my.clevelandclinic.org; September 2024.
