We all remember the song “Dem Bones,” with lyrics like “The hip bone’s connected to the backbone.” However, the skeletal structure is just one way our health is interconnected. For example, there’s a clear link between vision and heart health. The eyes can be an essential window into certain heart diseases, such as cardiovascular issues and hypertension.
Risk Factors
Certain eye conditions and heart disease share common risk factors, including high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and smoking. These can lead to vision-threatening diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and glaucoma. Additionally, these factors can contribute to the development of conditions like coronary artery disease and stroke.
Like the heart, the eyes depend on a complex network of blood vessels to receive oxygen and nutrients. Cardiovascular issues can damage or narrow these vessels, disrupting blood flow to the eyes. This may lead to conditions such as retinal artery or vein occlusion, which can result in vision loss.
When arteries narrow due to plaque buildup, a condition known as atherosclerosis, blood flow to the heart and the eyes can be affected. This increases the risk of vision problems, as well as the potential for a heart attack or stroke.
Chronic inflammation is a hallmark of numerous cardiovascular diseases and is also associated with various eye conditions, including AMD.
Adopting a Healthy Lifestyle for a Heart and Eyes
Embracing a heart-healthy lifestyle can also benefit eye health. This includes:
- Maintaining a balanced diet
- Exercising regularly
- Managing stress
- Getting adequate sleep
- Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
These simple lifestyle choices can support optimal eye function, minimize the risk of vision-related problems, and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle can help protect your vision and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Additionally, annual vision checkups can ensure your vision is healthy and reveal early warning signs for coronary conditions like high blood pressure, cholesterol issues, and diabetes.
Want a Healthy Heart? Go For an Eye Exam.
Eye exams are essential to care for your overall well-being. Your eye doctor can look for evidence of eye and heart disease. The Vision Plan from your association and AMBA covers annual WellVision exams. The plan also provides 100% coverage for most lenses, even progressives, and thousands of nationwide in-network providers. Sign up today – acceptance is GUARANTEED! – visit or call 866-979-0497.
Source: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/news/eye-stroke-heart-disease-vision-exam-retina-oct