When most people think about eye exams, they often assume it’s just about updating a glasses or contact lens prescription. But, in reality, your eyes can reveal far more about your health than just how clearly you see.
Your eyes are truly a window to your overall health—providing a unique view into many of the body’s systems. During a comprehensive eye exam at Collins Vision, our experienced practitioners don’t just check your vision; they carefully examine the blood vessels, nerves, and tissues inside your eyes. Because these structures are connected to your circulatory system, changes here can be among the earliest signs of some serious health conditions.
Detecting Diabetes
One of the clearest examples of this connection is diabetes. High blood sugar levels can damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina, causing a condition called diabetic retinopathy—a leading cause of vision loss. It is important to know that diabetic changes often occur before you notice any symptoms. During a comprehensive eye exam, our doctors can spot subtle changes in your retina that may indicate diabetes, sometimes even before a formal diagnosis is made.
Early detection matters. If we identify signs of diabetes early, you can begin treatment sooner, reducing the risk of both vision loss and other serious complications.
Clues to Heart Health
Your eyes can also reveal signs of high blood pressure (hypertension)—a condition that often shows no outward symptoms, yet significantly increases your risk of heart disease and stroke. During an eye exam, our doctors inspect the retina for narrowing, leakage, or swelling of blood vessels—all indicators that blood pressure may be elevated.
Because the tiny vessels in the back of the eye reflect the state of your broader vascular system, spotting these changes can lead to early evaluation and treatment—long before other symptoms appear.
In addition to detecting high blood pressure, your Collins Vision comprehensive eye exam can provide clues about your overall heart health. The arrangement and condition of the blood vessels in your retina are closely connected to the health of blood vessels throughout your body. Changes that suggest reduced blood flow or microvascular issues may signal increased cardiovascular risk, including clogged arteries or even early signs of heart disease.
This is one reason why a commitment to annual comprehensive eye exams is so valuable: these exams help health providers connect the dots between eye findings and broader systemic conditions.
Routine Eye Exams Matter
As we have learned, eye exams do much more than correct vision—they act as preventive health screenings that can lead to earlier detection, better outcomes, and peace of mind. At Collins Vision, we’re committed to caring for your vision and your total well-being. Our comprehensive eye exams use advanced technology and expert analysis to look deeper than surface-level vision checks to find any underlying conditions.
In addition to those discussed, a comprehensive eye exam will help us with early detection of many eye conditions, including glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, dry eye and more.
See the Difference at Collins Vision
This year, commit to making your eye health a priority—not just for clearer sight, but for a healthier life. We want you to love your vision! Schedule your comprehensive eye exam at any of our three convenient locations today and take an important step toward protecting both your vision and your overall health. Cheers to a healthy 2026!