Healthy Eyes Start with a Healthy Heart

At first glance, the heart and eyes may not seem connected — but they have more in common than you might think. Your eyes require oxygen to maintain their function, and that oxygen is delivered by the heart through your body’s circulatory system. If your heart isn’t working properly, your eyes may not receive the oxygen they need, potentially resulting in vision loss.

What Your Eye Doctor Can See

During a comprehensive eye exam, your doctor can examine the blood vessels in the back of the eye for signs of cardiovascular issues. Narrow, leaking, or damaged vessels can indicate high blood pressure, while deposits in the retinal vessels may suggest high cholesterol. These signs can sometimes appear before a patient even knows they have a cardiovascular problem.

Steps to Protect Both Your Heart and Eyes

• Don’t smoke
• Be mindful of your weight and exercise regularly
• Eat foods that support both eye and heart health — leafy greens, fish, nuts, and fruits
• Be aware of your family’s medical history
• See your primary care doctor and eye doctor regularly

Getting regular eye exams can not only improve your vision but support your overall health — especially heart health. Schedule an appointment at Miamisburg Vision Care in Miamisburg today.