Comprehensive Eye Exams

A thorough eye examination consists of a variety of standard tests designed to measure visual acuity and other vision faculties, as well as observe the health of the eye and check for common eye diseases.  There is no pain or discomfort associated with an exam, and they typically take less than an hour.

General eye exams can diagnose a variety of eye conditions early on and are the best way to preserve good vision.  For children, strabismus (crossed eye) and amblyopia (lazy eye) can often be diagnosed and treated in early childhood, avoiding life-long vision impairment.  Also, rare eye conditions from birth (like congenital cataracts) can be diagnosed and treated.  For all ages, refraction tests can determine whether prescription eyewear would be beneficial, and what power is necessary.  Furthermore, many debilitating eye diseases can be diagnosed before noticeable symptoms occur, potentially making the difference between minor damage and major vision loss.

Eye exams are recommended regularly throughout all phases of one’s life.  In the first three years, infants should have their vision checked as part of regular pediatric checkups.  Between age three and six, an eye exam every year or two is recommended.  Throughout childhood and the teenage years, exams should be scheduled as necessary.  Adults should have at least one exam in their twenties, at least two in their thirties, and an exam every two to four years after that.  Exams are recommended for seniors every one to two years.  People with diabetes should have at least one exam per year.  Exams are also more frequent for patients monitoring a diagnosed eye condition, or with a hereditary predisposition to an eye disease.