As leading optometrists in Surrey, Look Optometry understands the importance of eye exams for maintaining optimal eye health. In this article, we will discuss what you can expect during an eye exam, why are adult eye exams important, and how often you should have them.
What is an Eye Exam?
An eye exam is a series of tests conducted by an eye doctor or optometrist to evaluate your vision and check for any eye diseases. A routine eye exam is quick, usually checking for any changes in your vision or eye health since your last eye exam. A comprehensive eye exam, on the other hand, is a thorough series of tests to evaluate and monitor various aspects of your eye health using a variety of tools.
Why are Adult Eye Exams Important?
It’s important to complete eye exams regularly so that your optometrist can catch any diseases or address any concerns with your eye health early on and treat them accordingly. Most eye problems or issues can worsen rapidly if left untreated or caught in their later stages.
Types of Eye Specialists
There are three different types of eye specialists: optometrists, ophthalmologists, and opticians. Optometrists are eye care professionals who conduct adult eye exams, prescribe glasses or contact lenses, and diagnose and treat eye diseases. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in eye care, including surgery. Opticians, on the other hand, are not eye doctors but rather experts in fitting and dispensing glasses and contact lenses.
What to Expect During an Eye Exam
A comprehensive eye exam typically includes the following:
• Pre-Exam Tests:
Before the exam, you may be asked to complete a few tests such as a visual acuity test, which measures how well you can see at different distances, and a refraction test, which determines your eyeglass or contact lens prescription.
• External Exam:
The optometrist will then examine the external parts of your eyes, including the eyelids, cornea, and conjunctiva.
• Pupil Dilation:
The optometrist may use drops to dilate your pupils to get a better view of the retina and optic nerve.
• Internal Eye Exam:
Using a special light called an ophthalmoscope, the optometrist will examine the internal parts of your eyes, including the retina and optic nerve.
• Tonometry:
The optometrist may measure the pressure inside your eyes using a tonometer.
• Discussion and Treatment Plan:
After the exam, the optometrist will discuss the results with you and develop a treatment plan if necessary.
How Often Should You Complete an Eye Exam?
Generally, it is recommended to complete a comprehensive Adult eye exam every year. However, there are a few other things to consider such as age, risk factors, and current eye health, all affecting the frequency at which you should have your eyes checked by an eye doctor. For example, those with diabetes should have an eye exam appointment between 3-6 months. Additionally, children should have their first eye exam by 6 months of age, and following that, every year is recommended.
Some risk factors include:
• Family history of eye diseases or conditions
• Diabetes or high blood pressure
• Taking drugs or medications that may have eye-related side effects
• Previous eye injury or surgery
• Ultimately, it’s best to heed the advice and recommendation of your eye doctor regarding how often you should be completing an eye exam.
Conclusion
Completing an eye exam is a crucial step in maintaining good eye health. Adult Eye exams can help detect and prevent potential eye problems, and can help ensure that your vision remains clear and healthy. At Look Optometry, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality eye care services and ensuring that our patients are comfortable and informed throughout the entire process.
