The purpose of regular eye exams is more than simply getting new glasses or contact lenses. Many people don’t realize that the most important aspect of the eye exam is checking the health of the eyes. Some eye conditions have no obvious symptoms, especially in early stages. Even if you’re not experiencing any noticeable change in your vision, periodic comprehensive eye exams are important, because they allow for the early detection of eye diseases and other eye problems. Early detection allows for earlier treatment and a better visual outcome for most.

Our comprehensive eye health examination begins with discussing patient history, and includes a thorough evaluation of visual acuity as well as the internal and external health of the eyes. In addition, we will perform color vision assessment, depth perception testing, and establish the prescription required for the eyes as well as visual acuity with the new prescription. A dilated retinal examination allows for a larger view of the internal structures of the eye to allow for detection of changes associated with issues like diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and ocular tumors. We also offer ultra-wide field retinal imaging as an option for our established patients, without a previous history of ocular pathology, who prefer not to be dilated. This imaging can be performed for a nominal fee, but is only allowed, in most cases, to be performed every other year.

The doctor will ask about any eye or vision problems you have had or are currently having and about your overall health. In addition, the patient history will include when your eye or vision symptoms began, medications you are taking, surgical history, and any work-related or environmental conditions that may be affecting your vision. The doctor will also ask about family health history, as this may increase risk of certain conditions.