Even if you can see clearly, you should still have your eyes examined regularly. An eye exam can be used to determine visual acuity. However, it may also help identify other health conditions that affect the eyes. Here are a few conditions that your optometrist may identify during your routine eye exam, even though you have not noticed a change in your vision:

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy occurs because of changes in the retinal blood vessels caused by diabetes. Any person with type-1 or type-2 diabetes is at risk, including pregnant women with diabetes. 

For some diabetics, the blood vessels may leak fluid and become swollen. However, the disease can even cause new blood vessels to develop abnormally on the retina. At the earliest stage of the disease, your eye doctor may notice microaneurysms, which are small areas of swelling on retinal blood vessels. 

Your eye doctor can identify any stage of diabetic retinopathy so you can get treatment early. He or she will look for leaky blood vessels, swelling of the retina and damaged nerve tissue.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma accounts for 9 to 12 percent of all cases of blindness in the United States, and it is the second leading cause of blindness globally. Experts believe over three million Americans have glaucoma; however, only half of those with it know they have the disease. Yet, with proper medication and treatment, remaining vision can be preserved.

An eye doctor is able to diagnose glaucoma in its early stages, so regular eye exams are important. Your optometrist may dilate the pupils of your eyes to most effectively screen for glaucoma.

Hypertensive Retinopathy

People with high blood pressure may be unaware that they are hypertensive. Thus, the disease is often called "the silent killer." However, the disease can cause hypertensive retinopathy, which is damage to the retina from hypertension.

The degree of damage usually parallels the degree of hypertension. Your eye doctor will be able to identify this damage as he observes your eye through an ophthalmoscope. If he or she notices retinal changes that may stem from high blood pressure, you may be referred to your physician for assessment and treatment.

You can develop a disease of the eye unknowingly. However, without proper treatment, an eye condition can eventually destroy your vision. If you have not had an eye exam within the past year, schedule an appointment with a doctor at a practice like Mid-America Vision Center as soon as possible.