In addition to assessing your visual acuity, your eye care provider will test for common eye diseases, assess how your eyes are functioning together, and more.
Serious health issues like diabetes and high blood pressure are often first detected during an eye exam.
Your optometrist will determine what tests are needed based on your medical history. However, most comprehensive eye exams include the following:
Visual acuity – to test the sharpness of your vision, usually with an eye chart
Visual fields test – to check for blind spots in your vision
Retinoscopy – to estimate your eyeglass prescription
Refraction – to determine your exact eyeglass prescription
Slit lamp – to check for common eye diseases and conditions
Retinal photo screenings – to test for diabetic retinopathy and common conditions such as retinal hemorrhages, holes, freckles, etc…
Tonometry – to screen for glaucoma
Ophthalmoscopy – to examine the optic nerve, retina, and blood vessels
How often should I get a comprehensive eye exam?
Most eye care professionals recommend yearly eye exams. But it depends on your age, risk factors, and whether or not you wear corrective lenses.
The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends children ages 6 to 18 receive an eye exam once a year and once every two years if no prescription is required.
For adults, the AOA recommends a comprehensive eye exam every two years for ages 18 to 60 at minimum and annual exams for seniors age 61 and older.
What about contact lens exams?
Contact lens exams can typically be included as part of your comprehensive eye exam and usually do not need to be scheduled on a separate day. Please note that contact lens fitting fees apply, and a training fee will be charged for patients who are new to wearing contact lenses.
Just let us know when you schedule your appointment, and we’ll make sure you are taken care of.
