Why does my optometrist ask about my overall (systemic) health?
Optometrists not only study eye conditions, such as cataracts and glaucoma, but they have extensive knowledge of systemic health conditions as well. Certain characteristics of systemic conditions such as neurological and vascular conditions can be evident during an eye exam. Optometrists take a thorough history to determine risk factors for systemic and ocular conditions. Optometrists are part of a team of health care providers. They work together with physicians to make sense of symptoms and to come up with the most appropriate treatment.