How an Eye Exam at Eyemart Express Can Uncover Hidden Heart Health Issues

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In fact, one person dies from heart disease every 34 seconds. However, most people don’t know that an eye exam can give you a heart health checkup. That is why optometrists from Eyemart Express, a national optical retailer known for helping people see clearly faster, are educating consumers about this simple way to uncover hidden heart health issues just in time for American Heart Month.

In addition to evaluating your eye health and vision, annual comprehensive eye exams can provide medical insights about the heart such as high cholesterol, which contributes to heart disease and an increased risk of heart attacks and even diabetes.

“The eyes provide a window into your overall health,” says Dr. Mike Balgemann, an optometrist at Eyemart Express in Champaign, Illinois. “We can alert you to any signs that set off alarm bells regarding your heart.”

Dr. Balgemann shares the top hidden signs for heart health that eye doctors can pick up on during an eye exam:

“There have been several occasions when I have instructed a patient to go to the emergency room right away because of life-threatening signs revealed by their eye exam,” says Dr. Balgemann.

Schedule an eye exam with one of Eyemart Express’ optometrists across the country to keep your eyes and heart healthy in one appointment. Find an Eyemart Express location near you here.

About Eyemart Express

Eyemart Express (EyemartExpress.com) is a national optical retailer known for providing quality prescription eyewear with free same-day service thanks to its local lens labs. Founded in 1990, the company ranks among the top optical retailers in the country with its family of brands: Vision 4 Less, Visionmart Express, and Eyewear Express. Eyemart Express is based in Farmers Branch, Texas, and has 242 stores in 42 states. The optical retailer offers a robust frame selection for adults and kids with more than 2,000 frames from brands such as Ray-Ban, Coach, Versace, and Paw Patrol.