Comprehensive Eye Exams

How often should I have a comprehensive eye exam?

Regular eye exams are crucial, regardless of whether you need corrective lenses or not. If you wear corrective lenses, it’s recommended that you have a comprehensive eye exam on an annual basis. If you don’t wear corrective lenses, you can have your eyes checked every two years.

Individuals over the age of 60, should have annual eye exams regardless of whether you wear corrective lenses or not because you have a higher risk of developing ocular diseases like dry eye, macular degeneration, and glaucoma as you age.

When should my child have their first eye exam?

Infants should have their first eye exam around 6 months. Unless they demonstrate signs of poor vision, you can wait until they turn 3 years old for their next eye exam. 

If diagnosed early, many vision issues can be corrected, so it is important to have your child’s eyes examined as an infant even if there are no signs of problems or any family history of eye problems.

Children should also have an eye exam around the age of 5 and then every two years while they’re in school. If your child wears glasses, you should bring them into 2020 Family Vision for annual eye exams.

What happens during a comprehensive eye exam?

You may associate the Snellen eye chart and reading the smallest possible line of letters with getting your eyes checked. While this chart is a critical tool for measuring your visual acuity, your optometrist also examines your eyes for signs of degeneration and disease.

Your optometrist usually begins with a series of tests to examine your eyes for signs of disease. They use the slit lamp test to shine a light into your eyes, allowing them to study the front and insides of your eyes for signs of macular degeneration, cataracts, and retinopathy. Your optometrist also administers a glaucoma test to measure the pressure in your eye.

Your provider examines your retina using state-of-the-art digital retinal imaging and optical coherence tomography (OCT). OCT reduces the need to dilate your pupils, which can add roughly 20-40 minutes to your appointment and cause disorienting side effects. It also helps detect disease early, sometimes before your vision is affected, ensuring healthy eyes and vision for a lifetime.

While measuring your visual acuity, your optometrist tests your eyes individually and then together. If you need corrective lenses, you’ll look through a device while they change lenses and ask you which options improve your vision to precisely identify your prescription.

Call 2020 Family Vision or schedule eye exams for your whole family online today.