Your Eye Exam
The best way to ensure a lifetime of good vision is through regular, comprehensive eye examinations. An examination by an EyeHealth Northwest ophthalmologist or optometrist is much more than a test to determine if you need gasses or contact lenses. A comprehensive eye examination also includes:
- A test to measure your eye pressure
- A retinal exam to view the back of your eye
- A microscopic examination of the front of your eye
In addition to ensuring proper eyesight, regular eye examinations allow your eye doctor to detect and treat diseases at the earliest possible opportunity. Several eye diseases, such as glaucoma, show no symptoms in their early stages. A regular comprehensive eye examination can help detect diseases early, improving the likelihood for successful treatment.
Maintaining regular checkups is important. Although you will need to consult with your own eye care practitioner, here are some general guidelines recommended by the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
| Age 40 and under | Once every three years |
| Age 40 - 65 | Once every two years |
| Age 65 and over | Annually |
In addition, if you are a diabetic, it is critical that you have a comprehensive eye examination every year. An eye condition known as diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common complications associated with diabetes and is the leading cause of blindness among working-age Americans. Some patients with certain ocular or systemic conditions may require more frequent examinations.
A complete eye examination typically includes all, or an appropriate combination of, the following components:
Case HistoryYour eye doctor will ask you for information about your vision and health history, medications, symptoms of vision problems and other background information.
Visual System Evaluation
Using a number of tests and medical instruments, your eye doctor will conduct an external and internal exam of the various parts of your vision system including the eyelashes, eyelids, conjunctiva, iris, lens, cornea, pupils, extra-ocular muscles, blood vessels, optic nerve and the retina. The eye doctor will assess the health of your eyes and look for vision problems such as glaucoma, cataracts and corneal diseases. The doctor will also look for ocular changes associated with systemic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and neurological disorders. This evaluation may also include a refraction, which determines whether you need prescription lenses or not.
Your eye doctor will make a final diagnosis and discuss a treatment plan designed specifically for you. The eye doctor will prescribe any necessary treatments such as corrective eye wear or medications.
A complete eye examination takes approximately one hour.
Most patients feel comfortable driving after having their eyes dilated. If you are unsure or uneasy driving while your eyes are dilated, please be safe and bring another driver with you to your examination.
