Complete Eye Exams in North Haven
Eye exams are essential for people of all ages and health conditions, even if you don't have any vision problems. During a comprehensive eye exam, your eye doctor will:
- Check for common eye diseases like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.
- Assess how well your eyes work together as a team.
- Evaluate your eyes as an indicator of your overall health.
What Happens During A Comprehensive Eye Exam?
A comprehensive eye exam includes several tests and procedures, such as:
- Visual acuity testing: This involves reading an eye chart to measure how well you can see at different distances.
- Refraction testing: This involves using special lenses to determine the best prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses.
- Pupillary dilation: This involves using eye drops to widen your pupils so that your eye doctor can examine the back of your eyes.
- Intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement: This involves using a unique instrument to measure the pressure inside your eyes.
- Dilated fundus exam: This involves using a unique lens to examine the retina, optic nerve, and other structures inside your eyes.
How Often Should You Have an Eye Exam?
Eyecare experts recommend that most adults have a comprehensive eye exam every one to three years, depending on their age, risk factors, and physical condition. If you have any risk factors for eye disease, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of eye problems, you may need more frequent eye exams.
How Can Regular Eye Exams Help You?
Regular eye exams can help you:
- Maintain good vision and prevent eye problems from developing.
- Detect eye diseases early, when they are most treatable.
- Protect your overall health. Eye problems can sometimes show other health conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Request an appointment with Lawrence Lefland, M.S. Ed., O.D. if you have any questions about eye exams or your eye health.
Adult Eye Exams
The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends the following eye exam schedules for adults:
- Adults who wear eyeglasses or contacts: Annual eye exam
- Adults who do not usually need vision correction: Every 2-3 years up to age 40, depending on the rate of visual change and overall health, with more frequent examinations for adults with diabetes, high blood pressure, and other disorders
- Adults over 40: Every 1-2 years to check for common age-related eye problems
- Adults over 60: Annual eye exam
Benefits of Regular Eye Exams for Adults
- Early detection of eye diseases: Many eye diseases, such as glaucoma and macular degeneration, have no early symptoms. Regular eye exams can help your eye doctor detect these diseases early when they are most treatable.
- Prevention of eye problems: Regular eye exams can help your eye doctor identify and treat vision problems early before they lead to more severe complications.
- Improved overall health: Eye problems can sometimes indicate other health conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Regular eye exams can help your eye doctor identify these conditions early and get you the treatment you need.
Eye Exams for Children
Many children have undetected vision problems, leading to learning difficulties, behavioral issues, and other problems. Regular eye exams can help detect vision problems early when they are most treatable.
How Often Should Children Have Eye Exams?
The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends that all children have their eyes examined at:
- Six months of age
- Age three
- Before starting school
- At least every two years throughout school
Children with existing vision problems or risk factors should have their eyes examined more frequently.
Common Risk Factors for Vision Problems in Children
- Premature birth
- Developmental delays
- Turned or crossed eyes
- Family history of eye disease
- History of eye injury
- Other physical illness or disease
Children who wear eyeglasses or contact lenses should have their eyes examined at least every 12 months or according to their eye doctor’s instructions.
