Comprehensive Eye Exam, Gantt, AL
Everyone knows the importance of clear vision. If you need eyeglasses or contact lenses to see clearly, then you need regular eye exams to make sure your prescription is up to date and you’re seeing your best.
However, what many people don’t realize is that a comprehensive eye exam goes beyond checking your vision. Even if your vision is fine, you still need regular eye exams to check for signs of eye diseases and other conditions.
During a comprehensive eye exam, our eye care professionals not only check your visual acuity but also your eye health. Many eye diseases have little to no symptoms in the early stages, and it’s better to detect the diseases early during an exam than wait for symptoms to appear. A comprehensive eye exam is also helpful for spotting signs of chronic conditions you may be unaware of, such as diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disease, and high cholesterol.
While tests will vary based on each patient’s specific needs, you can generally expect the following during your exam:
Patient History
Your doctor will ask about any vision or eye health problems you may be experiencing, your overall health, medications you’re currently taking, and any work-related or environmental factors that could impact your vision and eye health. Your doctor will also want to know whether you have a family history of eye diseases, as there’s a genetic component to many eye diseases.
Visual Acuity
Your optometrist will measure visual acuity, or clarity or sharpness of vision, at 20 feet using the Snellen chart.
Eye Focusing, Teaming, and Alignment Testing
To achieve clear vision, your eyes need to be able to focus properly and work well together. During your exam, our doctor will evaluate ocular motility and binocular vision to see how well your eyes focus and work together. These tests can identify problems with focusing your eyes effectively or having difficulty using both eyes together.
Refraction
A refraction determines the lens power required to help correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.
Eye Health Evaluation
Your doctor will use a range of instruments, such as a microscope and other advanced technologies, to assess your eye health. They may also perform a pupil dilation to closely examine your eyes’ internal structures. As a part of the exam, your doctor will also measure your eye pressure to look for signs of glaucoma and check for a range of eye and systemic diseases.
At the end of your eye exam, your optometrist will prescribe glasses or contact lenses if you need them for optimal vision. They will also suggest treatment for any eye or health issues they found during the exam.
Schedule Your Eye Examination at Ensight Eyecare
How long has it been since your last eye exam? Comprehensive eye exams should be a part of every individual’s healthcare routine, even if you feel your vision is fine. At Ensight Eyecare, we are committed to providing the highest quality eye care to our patients in Gantt, AL, and other areas. Contact us today to make an appointment for your comprehensive eye exam.