A 70-year-old Indian male with a history of diabetes and cataracts came in for his routine cataract follow-up. He felt perfectly healthy, and even recent cardiology exams had shown no issues. But our Optomap retinal imaging revealed subtle yet alarming signs, with worsening bleeding in specific areas of his retina.
These changes triggered an urgent cardiology referral. The results were shocking. He had three major blockages in his heart and severe blockages in both carotid arteries. Without immediate intervention, he was at extremely high risk of a heart attack or stroke. He underwent emergency open-heart surgery with a triple bypass, which ultimately saved his life.
The patient has expressed profound gratitude to Dr. Chetti and our team, saying he never would have known the danger he was in if it were not for careful monitoring of his eyes.
This case is a powerful reminder that eye exams are about more than vision; they can detect life-threatening systemic issues early. Retinal changes can be the first warning signs of
- Cardiovascular disease
- High blood pressure and high cholesterol
- Diabetes complications
- Certain cancers and autoimmune conditions
Even patients who feel healthy and have normal tests elsewhere can harbor serious conditions detectable in the retina. Yearly eye exams with advanced imaging like Optomap are not just about seeing clearly, they could save your life.
Schedule your exam today and give your health the full picture.