Heart Health Month 2026 - The Connection Between Heart Health and Eye Health

Heart Health Month is celebrated annually in February and is a great opportunity to think about how heart health affects every aspect of your health, including your eyes. Many people are surprised to learn that eye exams can reveal early signs of heart disease, making regular check-ups an important way to look after your long-term health.

At Martyn Kemp Opticians, we believe good eye care should be accessible for everyone, and that early detection and prevention are the best way to protect your health and your sight.

How Are Heart Health and Eye Health Connected?

Your heart and eyes are closely linked through the circulatory system. Both rely on healthy blood vessels to function properly. When cardiovascular health is compromised, it can often affect the eyes too, sometimes before noticeable symptoms appear. 

This means optometrists may detect early signs of heart-related conditions during a routine eye exam.

Blood Flow and Circulation

The heart plays a vital role in delivering oxygen-rich blood throughout the body, including to the eyes. The retina depends on a consistent supply of oxygen and nutrients to function effectively.

If the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently, eye health may be affected. High blood pressure, in particular, can damage the delicate blood vessels in the eyes, leading to a condition known as hypertensive retinopathy. This may cause blurred vision and, if left untreated, permanent vision loss.

Cholesterol and Eye Health

High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease and can also impact eye health. When cholesterol builds up in the arteries, it can restrict blood flow to vital organs, including the eyes.

This reduced circulation may lead to serious conditions such as retinal artery occlusion, where a blockage in the retinal blood vessels causes sudden vision loss.

High cholesterol may also result in arcus senilis, a grey or white ring around the cornea. While usually harmless, it can indicate elevated cholesterol levels and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Diabetes, Heart Disease, and Eye Health

Diabetes has a significant effect on both heart and eye health. Persistently high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels throughout the body, increasing the risk of heart disease and affecting the delicate vessels in the eyes.

This can lead to diabetic retinopathy, a condition in which retinal blood vessels leak or bleed, resulting in vision problems.

As diabetes and heart disease are closely linked, managing blood sugar levels is essential for protecting both cardiovascular and eye health.

How To Protect Both Heart Health And Eye Health

There are many ways that you can protect your heart and vision, such as:

• Maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids
• Regularly exercise
• Quit smoking
• Manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels
• Attend regular eye exams

The Importance Of Routine Eye Exams

A comprehensive eye exam doesn’t just check how well you see; it can reveal early signs of systemic health issues, including heart disease. Changes in retinal blood vessels may indicate high blood pressure, circulation problems, or risk of a stroke. 

Protecting Your Vision Is Protecting Your Heart

At Martyn Kemp Opticians, our eye exams go beyond checking your vision. We take a holistic approach to eye care, checking for signs of underlying health conditions that may affect your long-term wellbeing.

This Heart Health Month, prioritise both your heart and your eyes by scheduling an eye exam. Book online here.