Comprehensive Eye Exams
Adult Comprehensive Eye Exams
We believe that there is so much more to a comprehensive eye exam than just an accurate glasses prescription. The nature of the eyes and visual system is such that many conditions can produce very similar symptoms. For example, blurred vision can be caused by something as benign as uncorrected refractive error or as serious as uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, or even a brain tumor.
Therefore, during our comprehensive eye and vision exam, we thoroughly evaluate the function and health of the eyes and total visual system to obtain ample information to diagnose the cause of signs noted by our doctors or symptoms reported by our patients. In addition, potentially blinding conditions such as glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy may cause no symptoms until they are far advanced and the damage is irreparable. We therefore dilate the majority of our patient’s eyes to allow us to look at all of the ocular structures to identify the presence of any ocular or systemic conditions that may exist without symptoms.
We incorporate the latest technology as well as rely on thorough objective examination of the eyes to ensure that all eye and related systems are evaluated. At the conclusion of the comprehensive vision exam, we take time to thoroughly explain all of our findings, make recommendations, and answer any questions you may have.
A summary of our comprehensive adult eye and vision examination includes:
- Dilation, as necessary, to help view the internal structures of the eye.
- General health screening of physical conditions and prescription medications that may affect your eyesight.
- Evaluation of current glasses prescriptions
- Visual acuity measurement and refraction to determine the degree to which you may be nearsighted, farsighted, presbyopic or have astigmatism.
- Muscle test to identify any muscle weakness or involuntary eye movement.
- Binocular vision skills assessment to assure your eyes work together as a team; important for proper depth perception, eye muscle coordination, detection of lazy eye conditions including strabismus and amblyopia, and the ability to change focus from near to far objects.
- Applanation tonometry to measure internal eye pressure and detect glaucoma.
- A comprehensive internal and external eye health assessment using the latest technologies to evaluate all anterior segment aspects of the eye and all posterior segments of the eye.
Other testing may include:
- Visual field test to measure peripheral vision and detect diseases of the eyes or neurological disorders.
- Color vision screening for color perception and neurologic evaluation.
- Stereopsis or depth perception evaluation.
- Gonioscopy or anterior segment evaluation.
- Pachymetry to measure corneal thickness to aid in the diagnosis of glaucoma.
- Digital retinal photography.
- Screening blood pressure testing.
- Glucose tolerance
The Pediatric Eye and Vision Examination
Vision disorders are the fourth most common disability in the United States and the most prevalent handicapping condition during childhood. Studies show that one out of 10 children is at risk from undiagnosed vision problems. Many eye conditions, including amblyopia (“lazy eye”), muscle imbalances, large refractive errors, and some ocular diseases do not have warning signs and can be easily missed in routine well-care examinations given by pediatricians. These vision problems can interfere with a child’s ability to develop skills and perform to their potential.
We follow the American Optometric Association’s guidelines and advocate early, preventative eye care including examinations at the following ages:
- 6 to 12 months old
- 3 years old
- Before entering first grade
- Every 1 to 2 years as advised by your eye doctor
The extent in which a child is at risk for the development of eye and vision problems determines the appropriate re-evaluation schedule.
In addition to visual acuity screening, our comprehensive pediatric examination also includes testing for unequal amounts of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism which could prevent one eye from developing properly. We carefully check that the eyes are positioned straight, work well together as a team, and focus accurately. Dilation drops will be used so the doctor can look inside and ensure the health of the eye. In general, although they may be apprehensive, most children find the whole process painless, and often fun!
