Focus on your eyes for American Heart Month

February is American Heart Month, a time to focus on heart health and disease prevention. What many don't realize is that a simple eye exam can tell them if they have underlying heart health issues or diseases.

Specsaver's optometrist and spokesman Dr. Nigel Best says: "The eyes reveal an awful lot about someone's health and can often indicate serious underlying health issues, which can be a life-saver."

Here's why we should encourage people to focus on their eyes for American Heart Month...

During a comprehensive eye exam, your eye doctor will not only determine your prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses, but will also check your eyes for common eye diseases, assess how your eyes work together as a team and evaluate your eyes as an indicator of your overall health.

Your eye doctor can detect early signs of some systemic conditions and diseases by looking at your eye's blood vessels, retina and so forth. They may be able to tell you if you are developing high blood pressure, high cholesterol or other problems.

No matter who you are, annual eye exams are important for seeing more clearly, learning more easily and preserving your vision for life.

If you have not yet had your annual comprehensive eye exam, now is the time! Eye exams are an important part of health maintenance. Schedule an eye exam today!

 The Minnesota Optometric Association has approximately 400 member doctors of optometry around the state. The MOA is committed to furthering awareness of optometrists as primary eye care or family eye doctors and to bringing about change that positively impacts the MOA member doctors and their patients.