Eye exam can uncover serious health issues

Sixty-three-year-old Nicki Munro visited the eye doctor thinking that a routine eye exam would discover why she was suffering from sensitivity to bright lights. However, the Tewkesbury Admag reports that Munro was alerted to something much more serious than a potential vision problem.

According to the news source, Munro's optometrist found that her blood vessels indicated she had signs of high blood pressure. She was then urged to see her doctor, where it was discovered that her blood pressure was so high that it put her at significant risk for a fatal heart attack or a stroke.

"I had no idea that I could be suffering from something so serious and didn't realize that a routine eye examination could detect changes in my blood pressure," Munro told the news provider.

Munro's experience demonstrates the importance of scheduling a regular comprehensive eye exam. The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends that adults between 19 and 40 years undergo an eye exam at least once every two years. Once an individual reaches 40, the AOA suggest he or she considers scheduling an exam annually.