Eye test saves American woman's life

An American woman who went to an ophthalmologist because of deteriorating vision was found to have an almost complete carotid artery blockage. This is reported on the website of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American media report.

Retired Ohio woman Barbara Krupar, 65, made an appointment with an ophthalmologist because of deteriorating vision. Dr. Nicole Badzik discovered she had possible early signs of a stroke. She advised Krupar to go to the emergency room immediately for head and neck scans. It turned out that the carotid artery in her neck was 85% blocked, putting the patient at imminent risk of stroke. An eye exam may have saved her life.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, various serious diseases can be detected in the eyes because their blood vessels and nerves reflect the condition of the rest of the body. Examinations can detect heart disease, diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, multiple sclerosis, autoimmune diseases, sexually transmitted diseases and Alzheimer's disease.

So doctors recommend getting a comprehensive eye exam by age 40, even if your vision seems normal, and after age 65 you should get one or two exams every year.

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