What happens during an eye exam?
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In a full eye examination, the optometrist may do the following:
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Review your medical history. They may ask you questions to assess potential vision issues and learn more about your overall eye health. If your family has a history of certain eye conditions or health problems, they’ll know what to look for during your eye tests.
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Check your eye health. The optometrist will test for refractive errors and other eye conditions, including glaucoma. By identifying these issues early on, the optometrist can help you come up with a plan of action, which may include prescription glasses, lifestyle changes, and more.
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Test for underlying medical conditions Early detection of these conditions can make treatment easier and more successful. It can also signify the presence of other eye conditions that the optometrist will need to monitor. If a medical condition is uncovered during your eye tests, the eye doctor can refer you to a specialist for further treatment.
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Assess your eye coordination. The optometrist may run a series of tests to identify how your eyes respond to stimulation. If you have crossed eyes or a lazy eye, vision therapy might be recommended. This will educate you on a variety of simple exercises to ease your symptoms and strengthen your eye coordination.
The optometrist will perform standard tests to assess the quality of your vision. Our world-class team of eye care professionals will be there to assist every step of the way, ready to answer any questions you may have
How often should you get an eye exam?
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How often you should see an eye doctor depends on your age, eye health, medical history, and vision concerns. Here are the general guidelines of how often you should receive a comprehensive eye exam:
Getting your eyes tested every two years is a crucial step in maintaining good eye health and overall well-being. Here are several reasons why regular eye exams are important:
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1. Early Detection of Eye Conditions
Regular eye exams can help detect eye conditions early on, such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration. Early detection is key to managing these conditions effectively and preventing potential vision loss.
2. Corrective Vision
Even if you don’t have any current issues with your vision, your eyesight can change over time. Regular check-ups ensure that any changes in your vision are promptly addressed with updated prescriptions for glasses or contact lenses, helping you see clearly and comfortably.
3. Overall Health Indicators
Eye exams can reveal signs of other health issues, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. The blood vessels in your eyes can provide valuable information about your overall health, and an eye exam might be the first indication of these conditions.
4. Prevent Digital Eye Strain
In our digital age, many people spend a significant amount of time in front of screens. Regular eye exams can help address and prevent digital eye strain, which can cause headaches, blurred vision, and dry eyes.
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5. Aging and Vision Changes
As we age, our risk of developing age-related eye conditions increases. Regular eye exams help manage these changes and maintain optimal vision quality.
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6. Professional Advice
Optometrists can provide professional advice on how to take care of your eyes, including recommendations for protective eyewear, dietary advice, and tips on reducing eye strain.
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Tips for Eye Health Between Exams
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Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away to reduce eye strain.
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Wear Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays by wearing sunglasses with UV protection.
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Healthy Diet: Include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc, and vitamins C and E in your diet to help keep your eyes healthy.
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Quit Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of developing eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts.
Conclusion
Regular eye exams are a simple yet effective way to ensure your eyes remain healthy. By scheduling an eye exam every two years, or more frequently if advised by your eye care professional, you can catch potential problems early and maintain good vision throughout your life.