Health Conditions That an Eye Exam Can Reveal​
Here’s a closer look at diseases an eye care professional might detect.
Eyes aren’t only windows to the soul—they can also shed light on diseases that aren’t under control or have otherwise gone undiagnosed.
“The eye contains one of the densest supplies of blood vessels in the human body,” explains Nickolas J. Shissias, OD, one of the doctors at Simon Eye Associates. “Diseases that relate to blood flow and pathogens that travel within the blood stream and nervous system can have an effect on ocular health.”
Though a typical eye exam involves correcting vision and monitoring ocular health, the various tests that are used by highly trained eye care professionals such as those at Simon Eye Associates’ seven Delaware locations can reveal deeper issues.
- HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE: During the dilated portion of an eye exam, an eye doctor evaluates the health of the blood vessels, and in cases where there is poorly controlled hypertension, damage may occur to the blood supply of the eye. Veins and arteries that are under stress from hypertension may become blocked off, resulting in hemorrhaging and fluid accumulation in the retina. If larger veins and arteries are severely damaged, vision may become compromised or even lost.
- AUTO IMMUNE DISEASE: Many auto immune conditions such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, and Crohn’s Disease can have very serious effects on different parts of the eye. Patients who suffer from symptoms of these conditions may feel as if they are just getting older and that most people their age have these problems. Even something as seemingly minor as dry eye can be associated with a more serious systemic condition such as rheumatoid arthritis. Eye doctors may observe abnormal eye movements, painful inflammation, and damaged optic nerves. All of these irregularities lead to follow-up testing and consultations with specialists who can further diagnose the auto immune disease.
- CANCER: Cancer can have a devastating effect on every part of the body, and the eye is no different. Although primary ocular cancers are rare, the secondary spread of cancers is more common and the eye needs to be protected. Screening the eye for any abnormalities and growths is part of a routine eye exam that can lead to early cancer detection. Patients may be unaware of certain vision changes that brain tumors can cause, and there may be no pain associated. Certain benign growths such as a pituitary tumor can cause peripheral vision loss.
“Optometrists are trained to not only evaluate the visual system of the eye, but its overall relationship to the health of the body,” explains Dr. Shissias. “Fortunately, if any of these conditions are observed, communication with the patient’s primary care doctor will ensure that any diagnosis is properly managed and treated.”
Guided by the motto “Eye Care for Life,” Simon Eye Associates has built an outstanding reputation by adopting the latest technologies, emphasizing professionalism, and rigorously developing its personal relationships with patients. At seven locations in Delaware, Simon Eye Associates keeps up with advances in technology that assist in the diagnosis and care of patients’ vision and eye health. Their experienced physicians and staff provide patients and their families with a lifetime of excellent eye care and eye health education by offering comprehensive eye exams, treatment of eye emergencies and disease, and a wide selection of designer and affordable glasses and contacts for all ages.
Insurances accepted include: AETNA/US Healthcare, Amerihealth, Benefit Concepts, Blue Cross of Delaware, Boilermakers National Fund, CIGNA, Cole Managed Vision, Coresource, Coventry Health Care of Delaware, Eastern Shore Teamsters, Eye Med, Insurance Administrators, Local Lions Club, Medicare and Railroad, Medicare DME Regional Carrier, NVA, Optimum Choice, Principal Financial, Private Health Care Systems PPO, Superior, Teamsters, United Healthcare, Vision Benefits of America (VBA), and VSP.
302.239.1933
www.simoneye.com
Simon Eye Associates-Concord Pike/North Wilmington
2625 Concord Pike, Suite A

Wilmington, DE 19803-3886
Simon Eye Associates-Fox Run/Bear
Fox Run Shopping Center
116 Fox Hunt Drive
Bear, DE 19701
Simon Eye Associates-Greenville
4001 Kennett Pike, Suite 128

Greenville, DE 19807
Simon Eye Associates-Middletown
Middletown Crossing Shopping Center
472 East Main Street

Middletown, DE 19709
Simon Eye Associates-Newark
19 Haines Street, Suite B
Newark, DE 19711
Simon Eye Associates-Pike Creek/Hockessin

5301 Limestone Road,
Suite 128

Wilmington, DE 19808
Simon Eye Associates-Union Street/Wilmington
Union Plaza, 912 North Union St., Suite 1
Wilmington, DE 19805