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1. What is a comprehensive
eye exam?
2. When should I get my eyes examined and how often? A comprehensive eye examination includes two very distinct parts, a visual system evaluation and a thorough health exam. In examining the visual system, a series of tests are performed to evaluate how well the two eyes work together as a team and how well each eye focuses individually. For example, eye muscle balance and depth perception is checked to make sure that one eye is not straining more than the other. Only by examining the visual system properly can an exact eyeglass prescription be determined. The health examination is thorough in all aspects of evaluating both external and internal tissues of the eye. Most importantly, the doctors will check for cataracts, obtain exact eye pressure measurements to help determine risk for and diagnose glaucoma, and obtain a complete view of the inside of the eyes by dilating, or opening your pupils with dilating drops. Dilation allows the doctors to view your retinas in the back of your eyes and effectively screen you for serious sight threatening conditions such as macular degeneration, diabetes and high blood pressure. Many other conditions or diseases of the eyes or body can be detected or suspected by a dilated eye exam. [ top ] When should I get my eyes examined and how often? Many people take their vision for granted and only get their eyes examined when their vision gets blurry. In fact, a complete eye exam is recommended on a routine basis as part of your regular health checkups to help ensure a lifetime of healthy vision. This is because many eye conditions and diseases have no symptoms in the early stages when they are most effectively treated. If you are generally healthy adult between the ages of 18 and 40, have no symptoms of vision problems, and have low risk of eye disease, an eye examination is recommended every one to three years. After the age of 40, every two years is recommended. After the age of 60, or if you where glasses or contact lenses, you should be receiving an eye exam every year. If you are an adult at risk of eye disease because of family history, have a diagnosis of high blood pressure, diabetes or other medical conditions that can affect the eyes health, you should be getting your eyes examined yearly, or as recommended by your eye doctor. [ top ] Who can wear contact lenses? Virtually everyone! This was not true not too long ago. But now with new technologies we are able to fit most people with contact lenses, even those with astigmatism and the need for bifocals or reading glasses. Dry eyes also used to be a major problem for many people who wore contact lenses, and those who desired to sleep in their contact lenses were at greater risk of serious eye infections that could threaten vision. But now with new materials that stay moist longer, and other advancements that allow five to six times more oxygen to the front of the eye, or cornea, than was previously available only a few years ago, we are able to fit a vast majority of our patients successfully. Regardless of these new contact lens technologies, however, it is important to understand that all contact lens wearers are at greater risk of infection and sight threatening conditions than non-contact lens wearers. For this reason, all contact lenses must be fit, evaluated and monitored by your eye doctor on a regular basis in order to reduce these risks and maintain healthy eyes and vision for a lifetime. [ top ] What is an optometrist? Doctors of optometry are independent primary health care providers who examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye and associated structures as well as diagnose related systemic conditions. Optometrists examine the internal and external structure of the eyes to diagnose eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts and retinal disorders; systemic diseases like hypertension and diabetes; and vision conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia. Optometrists also do testing to determine the patient's ability to focus and coordinate the eyes, and to judge depth and see colors accurately. They prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses, low vision aids, vision therapy and medicines to treat eye diseases. As primary eye care providers, optometrists are an integral part of the health care team and an entry point into the health care system. They are skilled in the co-management of care that affects the eye health and vision of their patients and an excellent source of referral to other health care professionals. [ top ] Do your offices provide LASIK services? Yes we do. Our doctors and staff are fully trained to help you decide if you are a good candidate for Laser Vision Correction. If you decide to have your vision corrected with surgery, our offices are fully equipped to provide all of your preoperative and postoperative care. Although our doctors are not surgeons, we work closely with the most experienced and respected LASIK surgeons in the area in order to provide you with the best possible vision. We understand that the decision to have elective eye surgery is difficult. This is why we offer a free LASIK consultation to anyone considering corrective surgery. This free service will allow you to get many of your specific questions answered by the doctor. [ top ] How much do contact lenses cost? Wearing contact lenses is a popular alternative to
wearing glasses and our offices are dedicated to making
your contact lenses experience safe, enjoyable and affordable.
Our doctors will use their training and experience to fit you with the best possible lens for your prescription and ocular condition and will continue to work with you to make sure you are wearing contact lenses that are comfortable, clear and most importantly safe for your eyes. We will be happy to discuss your contact lens options during your visit in our office. [ top ]
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