Assessing your visual system and eye health involves a number of different tests and methods. Our vision experts will work to understand the specifics behind your current eye health status. Your physician will consider any allergies to any medications, current or family history of systemic or eye pathology, or environmental conditions that could affect your vision or eye health.
- The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that patients without risk factors for eye disease should have comprehensive eye exams at the following intervals:
- Under 40: Every 5 – 10 years
- Ages 40 – 54: Every 2 – 4 years
- Ages 55 – 64: Every 1 – 3 years
- Age 65 or older: Every 1 – 2 years
- Adults 18-39 years of age still need to have comprehensive eye exams every five to 10 years even if they have no symptoms or risk factors. These exams can detect common eye diseases and conditions that have few or no symptoms and can lead to blindness if not properly treated.
If you have a family history of eye diseases such as Glaucoma or Macular Degeneration, or if you have Diabetes, you should be examined more frequently. Ask our doctors how frequently you should be seen.
A comprehensive eye exam includes:
– checking your visual acuity in each eye
– checking your pupils to see if they are equal in size and responsive to light
-checking your intraocular pressure using the iCare tonometer. This allows us to check pressure without anesthetic drops or using a puff of air
-checking your eye movements
-checking your peripheral vision
-refraction or checking for glasses. This service if often not covered by your insurance. The fee for refraction is $50 and will be collected on the day of service if not covered.
-dilated eye exam. In order to completely assess your eye health you will be given dilating drops. These temporarily enlarge the pupil making it easier to see inside your eye. Dilating drops can make your vision blurry, make it difficult to focus, and can make you more sensitive to light. These drops typically last about 3 to 4 hours. It is recommended that you plan come to your exam with a driver so that you can return home safely after your eye exam.
Contact our team today to get the treatment you need. The specialists at Bannett Eye Center will gladly work to correct your visual problems. Please contact us here with your questions. You’ll be hearing from us soon!