What to Expect at an Eye Exam
Approximately 1 in 5 adults in the United States has an undiagnosed eye condition.
This startling statistic highlights the importance of regular eye exams for maintaining optimal vision health. We want to demystify the eye exam for anyone who has never had one and explain why they are so important for lifelong vision health.
Your Eye Exam Will Include…
First and foremost, an eye exam is a comprehensive evaluation of your vision and eye health. It typically includes a series of tests to assess your visual acuity, eye function, and overall eye health. These tests may include:
- Visual acuity tests: These tests measure how well you can see at various distances. You'll be asked to read letters or symbols from an eye chart, with or without corrective lenses.
- Refraction tests: These tests determine your prescription for glasses or contact lenses. Your optometrist will use a device called a phoropter to determine the lenses that give you the clearest vision.
- Binocular vision tests: These tests assess how well your eyes work together. Your optometrist will check your eye alignment and how your eyes move together.
- Eye health evaluations: These evaluations may include a dilated eye exam to examine the inside of your eye. Your optometrist may also use specialized equipment to evaluate the health of your cornea, retina, and optic nerve.
What Information Should You Bring?
During an eye exam, your optometrist may also ask about your medical history and any current medications you're taking. This information can help identify any underlying conditions that may be affecting your vision, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
Early Detection and Eye Diseases
Why is it essential to schedule regular eye exams? For starters, many eye conditions, such as glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration, have no early warning signs. Regular eye exams can detect these conditions in their early stages, allowing for more effective treatment and management. Additionally, changes in your vision can occur gradually, making it challenging to notice any issues until they become severe. Regular eye exams can catch these changes early, allowing for prompt treatment and improved outcomes.
Don’t Wait to Schedule An Appointment
An eye exam is a comprehensive evaluation of your vision and eye health. It includes a series of tests to assess your visual acuity, eye function, and overall eye health. Regular eye exams are essential for maintaining optimal vision health and detecting any underlying conditions that may be affecting your vision. If you're overdue for an eye exam, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with your optometrist today. Don't let an undiagnosed eye condition put your vision at risk. Take control of your eye health and schedule your next eye exam today.