In this episode of The Power Hour, Dr. Michael Cook from i2i Optometry sheds light on the crucial role of eye exams in detecting and treating eye diseases and systemic health issues. He emphasizes the “eye health” portion of the examination, which checks for visual problems and can uncover signs of systemic diseases such as diabetes, which is often first identified through an eye exam. By presenting a case study of an elderly woman with uncontrolled diabetes, Dr. Cook illustrates how collaborative care among eye specialists can help preserve vision, further emphasizing the significant role of eye health in overall well-being.
The discussion highlights the importance of comprehensive eye exams, placing particular emphasis on early detection and treatment of eye diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration, as well as systemic diseases like diabetes. Dr. Cook also addresses various factors that can greatly impact patients’ long-term eye health, including age, medications, and lifestyle choices such as quitting smoking, regular exercise, and a healthy diet.