August is National Eye Exam Month

It’s the perfect time to schedule your next eye exam in observance of National Eye Exam Month. Regular eye exams are important to make sure that your eyes are in good condition, determine eyeglass prescription and check for common eye diseases. Often, your eye doctor is the first healthcare professional to detect chronic, systemic diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

Did you know that the health of your teeth and gums can affect your vision?

Certain dental conditions can have a negative impact on your eyes. Tooth infection and gum diseases can often lead to eye sight deterioration. Your eyes are very near to your teeth. The nerves of the eyes may become inflamed due to an infected tooth or periodontitis. Optical neuritis is the inflammation of the optic nerve. It can lead to eye pain and blurred vision. If left untreated, bacterial infections can destroy the healthy nerve tissue in the eyes and brain. The microbes are toxic and spread to the brain through the lymphatic system and be potentially fatal.

The importance of routine eye exams, in addition to regular doctor visits and dental checkups, is quite evident in maintaining optimum overall health. Neglecting one or the other can sometimes lead to missed early warning signs of developing systemic disease. Early detection plays a vital role in detecting chronic disease or other health problems in the earliest stages, which lessens the risk of illness progression.

Celebrate National Eye Exam Month this August and call your vision care specialists to set up your appointment. Also, make sure you are up-to-date on your dental exam, x-rays, and cleaning. Contact South Tampa Smiles at (813)  289 – 0560. Our friendly office staff will answer any questions you may have and assist you in making your next appointment.