Eye Examination
Frequency of Eye Examinations
Each year, many people experience a decrease in vision due to progressive diseases or conditions of the eye. Often, there are no symptoms indicating something is wrong, as with glaucoma. Therefore, to insure the health of your eyes, a thorough examination by a skilled eye doctor is essential to safeguard your sight.
When no diseases or conditions of the eye are present, persons under forty should usually have an eye examination every two years. Individuals over forty face an increased incidence of several conditions that can jeopardize sight; therefore, an eye examination every year is strongly recommended.
The Comprehensive, Dilated Eye Examination
A comprehensive examination that assesses the health and function of your eyes is a wise investment toward protecting your eyesight. Tests are conducted to assess your visual acuity (the sharpness of your vision). The internal pressure of the eye is measured to check for glaucoma. The internal and external structures of the eye are observed to detect the presence of disease or other abnormalities that may impair your vision or affect your health.
To allow the doctor the best view of the internal structures of the eye, your eye will be dilated through the use of eye drops. These drops cause the iris to open wide, giving the doctor a good view inside your eye. While your eyes are dilated, close work or reading may be difficult, plus bright sunlight may be annoying. The effects of the dilating drops usually begin to subside after a few hours; however, it is wise to bring good sunglasses to help you see in bright sunlight following a dilated eye exam.
Recommendations are offered for protection and improvement in your eyesight. Should you require corrective lenses, a procedure known as a refraction is conducted to determine the prescription that is best for you. Custom fitting of contact lenses plus instruction on their care and use is also available from your eye doctor. If you desire glasses, you may take the prescription to an optical dispensary of your choice.
Non-dilated Eye Exam
As a convenience for those individuals who must return to work after the examination or cannot wait for the effects of the dilation drops to abate, non-dilated eye examinations are available. If there are indications for a thorough assessment of the interior of the eye, the doctor will schedule a dilated examination at a later date and time.
