When you get your eyes examined by your ophthalmology specialist, he or she can determine if you have eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration. Your eye doctor may also be able to diagnose systemic diseases simply by performing a routine eye examination. Here are some health disorders that your eye doctor can diagnosis and what your can do about them:

Anemia

Some of the most common symptoms of anemia include fatigue, shortness of breath, excessive bruising, and pallor. In addition to these, inner lower eyelid paleness may also be an important symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia.

When your eye doctor gently pulls down on the skin underneath your eye, it will expose the mucus membrane lining of your inner lower lid. Normally pinkish or light red in color, it will be very pale if you have anemia. If your eye doctor notices this sign, he or she may refer you back to your primary physician, who will order a complete blood count, or CBC.

This blood test will tell your doctor if your hemoglobin, hematocrit, or iron stores are low. If so, dietary intake of iron-rich foods will be recommended and possibly over-the-counter iron supplements. Once your anemia has resolved, your lower  inner eyelids will regain their natural color.

Liver Disease

Diseases of the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas may also be detected through an eye exam. If the whites of your eyes look yellow, or jaundiced, your eye doctor may suspect you have a condition that is causing a significant rise in bilirubin, an indicator of liver disease.

In addition to yellowing of the eyes, liver disease can cause yellow, itchy skin. If your eye examination reveals jaundice, your eye care professional will recommend that you make an appointment with your physician.

Your family physician will examine your abdomen to determine if your liver, gallbladder, or pancreas are inflamed. The doctor might also order a blood test to evaluate your liver enzymes. If elevated, you may have an endocrine disorder or may be experiencing side effects from a medication that you are taking that has affected your liver.

If your eye doctor believes that you have liver disease or anemia, see your family physician as soon as possible. The quicker your medical conditions are diagnosed and treated, the less likely you will be to experience complications from anemia and liver disease such as difficulty breathing, loss of appetite, weakness, and organ failure. Contact a clinic, like Idaho Eye and Laser center, for more help.