Your Eyes Can Give Clues to Heart Health

It has been said that the eyes are the windows of the soul. It may surprise you to learn that your eyes may give clues to your heart health – and your ophthalmologist could be the first to notice warning signs during a comprehensive eye exam.
Problems that damage blood vessels in the eye can also block blood vessels in the heart. High cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes – major risk factors for heart disease – may cause age-related macular degeneration (AMD), blockage in blood vessels in the eye, cataracts and changes in eye pressure that can cause glaucoma.
Give your heart (and your eyes) a break by doing the following:
• Quit smoking – Smokers are at greater risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke and AMD.
• Control your blood pressure and cholesterol levels – Healthy numbers have positive effects for both eyes and heart, helping to lower the risk of stroke and heart disease along with eye diseases such as AMD.
• Regular exercise – Walking is good for blood vessels throughout the body.
• Eat a heart-healthy diet – The same foods that are good for your heart can help preserve your vision. Leafy greens (spinach, kale and collards) and cold water fish (salmon, tuna and sardines) are good for healthy eyes and better heart health.
• Diabetic control – The better one’s diabetic control, the healthier the heart and eyes.
Most importantly, make sure to get regular checkups with both your ophthalmologist and primary care doctors. Your eyes – and your heart – will thank you!
Stephen H. Uretsky, MD of the Coastal Jersey Eye Center, is a leading board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in comprehensive eye care. The Coastal Jersey Eye Center has offices in Linwood and Cape May Court House. To make an appointment, call us at (609) 927-3373 in Linwood or (609) 465-7926 in Cape May Court House, or visit us online at www.coastaljerseyeye.com.