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Bothered by headaches? Hay fever? High blood pressure? Your vitamin intake? Your golf score?
Talk to your eye doctor.
Many people don't realize the connection between lifestyle and eye health. But it's a connection that
can help you make a good eye exam better. The more we know about a patient, the better we can
prescribe the right glasses or anticipate and treat visual problems.
So how do you know what to tell or ask your eye doctor? Consider these tips for making the most of
your next eye exam.
If there is some part of your eye exam, diagnosis, or treatment that you don't understand, talk to
your doctor about it. Ask about the consequences of your condition. For example, how it will affect
your vision and what kinds of tests you will need. Ask about your treatment as well -- the benefits or
side effects, and whether you will have any restrictions in diet, exercise, or medications. Take notes
and request written instructions from your doctor. Ask for information that explains about your
condition, so you can read them at home. Then if something is still unclear, call the doctor with
more questions.?
Take charge of your eye health. A good eye exam is a dual responsibility -- the doctor's and yours.
So how do you know what to tell or ask your eye doctor? Consider these tips for making the most of
your next eye exam.
Health Record
- Be prepared to give your eye doctor a thorough health background. Bring a complete list of
your medications -- both prescription and non-prescription -- including antihistamines,
decongestants, asthma inhalers, and nutritional supplements. People typically overlook over-
the-counter products,even though they often have an effect on the eyes.
- Also report any current difficulties you are having with your vision: blurring, dry eyes, double
vision, difficulty seeing at night, eye strain. And tell your doctor about chronic health
conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and allergies, as well as any surgery you've
had since your last exam.
- Be prepared to discuss your family health history, too. For most eye diseases, there's a
hereditary component. Glaucoma, macular degeneration, and early cataracts, for example,
tend to run in families.
Lifestyle Checklist
- How you use your eyes helps the doctor decide what corrective eyewear is best for you. Let the
doctor know about your work environment. Do you use a computer? How many hours a day?
Is the lighting in your office natural or artificial? Do you do a lot of close up work --
bookkeeping, editing, electronics? Do you work outdoors or in hazardous surroundings?
- Discuss your leisure activities as well. Do you play racquetball, tennis, or golf? Are you a
fisherman or boater? An avid reader or quilter? The right eyewear can protect your eyes,
enhance your skills, and improve your vision. almoscope is worn on the doctor’s head. This
frees the doctor’s hands to use a powerful lens to focus light emitted from the ophthalmoscope
into the eye. With this instrument, the image is a bit smaller but the field of view is much
larger, allowing the doctor to view the entire retina. The dilated fundus examination is a
crucial part of an eye exam, as many eye diseases can be detected during the test.
Your Eye Doctor & You
Why Eye Exams are Important:
Since many eye diseases show no immediate symptoms until the damage is done, regular eye exams
are one of the most important things you can do for your vision and your overall health. Eye exams
can help detect cataracts, glaucoma and retinal disease, as well as diabetes and high-blood pressure.
are one of the most important things you can do for your vision and your overall health. Eye exams
can help detect cataracts, glaucoma and retinal disease, as well as diabetes and high-blood pressure.
What is a sight examination?
The following is a general overview of what we do when we perform an eye exam:
* A review of your family and personal health history.
* An examination of your eyes' exterior and interior for signs of eye disease or general health
problems, such as diabetes or hardening of the arteries, that may show up in the eyes, and, for
adults, eye pressure and field of vision tests to diagnose glaucoma.
* Tests of your ability to see sharply and clearly at near and far distances.
* Tests to determine the presence of nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, depth perception
problems and, in people over age 40, presbyopia (an age-related condition affecting reading vision).
* A check of eye coordination and eye muscle function to be certain the eyes are working together as
a team.
* A test of the ability to change focus easily from near to far and vice versa.
Additional tests that are part of a comprehensive eye examination for young children are:
* A check for any indications of crossed-eyes or that the child is not using one eye.
* Tests to check for Amblyopia.
* If necessary, a series of tests to determine how well the child's vision skills are developing.
Thorough care also includes a discussion of the exam's findings and any treatment prescribed, as
well as personal advice about such matters as good vision on the job, eye safety, maintaining eye
health, prescription lens choices and environmental factors, such as lighting, affecting a person's
eyes and vision.
* A review of your family and personal health history.
* An examination of your eyes' exterior and interior for signs of eye disease or general health
problems, such as diabetes or hardening of the arteries, that may show up in the eyes, and, for
adults, eye pressure and field of vision tests to diagnose glaucoma.
* Tests of your ability to see sharply and clearly at near and far distances.
* Tests to determine the presence of nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, depth perception
problems and, in people over age 40, presbyopia (an age-related condition affecting reading vision).
* A check of eye coordination and eye muscle function to be certain the eyes are working together as
a team.
* A test of the ability to change focus easily from near to far and vice versa.
Additional tests that are part of a comprehensive eye examination for young children are:
* A check for any indications of crossed-eyes or that the child is not using one eye.
* Tests to check for Amblyopia.
* If necessary, a series of tests to determine how well the child's vision skills are developing.
Thorough care also includes a discussion of the exam's findings and any treatment prescribed, as
well as personal advice about such matters as good vision on the job, eye safety, maintaining eye
health, prescription lens choices and environmental factors, such as lighting, affecting a person's
eyes and vision.
Mind your eyes - Have you had a sight examination in the past
two years?
two years?
"We Offer A Variety Of Professional Eyecare Services"
Comprehensive Eye Exams:
Yearly Comprehensive Eye Exams are the best way to ensure clear, comfortable vision and early
detection/prevention of eye disease. The optometrists at Anderson Professional Eyecare strongly
recommend yearly exams and are available to provide you with the best in comprehensive eyecare
in a timely manner. We offer same day, next day, evening appointments to fit your schedule. Call
our office to conveniently schedule your appointment today.
Contact Lens Exams / Contact Lenses:
We offer the latest in Contact Lens Eyecare and High Quality/Brand Name Contact Lenses. We now
offer and highly recommend SiHi (Silicone Hydrogel) technology in contact lenses. SiHi lenses offer
superior oxygen transmission compared to Conventional Hema (Plastic) contacts. SiHi products we
offer include Purevision (B&L), Focus Night and Days (Ciba), Biofinity (Cooper Vision) and Acuvue
Oasys (J&J). Be sure to ask the doctors about this new technology during your exam.
Cataract Evaluations:
Cataracts are a common occurence in the 60's and 70's but can also occur in younger individuals.
The Doctors at Anderson Professional Eyecare are highly trained to recognize even the earliest signs
of Cataracts. We also have an extensive referral network of experienced cataract surgeons in the
Pooler and surrounding areas should the need for cataract surgery arise.
Designer Eyewear:
We offer the finest in Designer Eyewear Brands including Armani Exchange, BCBG Maxazria,
CK/Calvin Klein, Dior, Fisher Price for kids, Nickelodeon for kids, Flexon, Gucci, Modern Optical,
Costa Del Mar, Maui Jim, Ray Ban, Wiley X, Easytwist, Nine West, Thalia, Cynthia Rowley, Izod,
Ralph Lauren Polo, Cosmopolitan, Marvel Comics Eyewear, On-Guard Safety, Titmus Safety, Saks
Fifth Avenue and many more. We also offer the latest in lens technology including Transitions,
Crizal Alize with Clear Guard and Varilux Physio Progressive Lenses.
Dry Eye Diagnosis and Treatment:
Dry Eye is a common complaint in the Pooler and surrounding areas that can be worsened by
allergies and contact lens wear. The doctors are trained to detect Dry Eye Syndrome and can offer
you a variety of treatments including artificial tear products, tear duct occlusion therapy (punctal
plugs), Restasis, Thera Tears Nutrition and special contacts for dry eye sufferers.
Foreign Body Removal:
Foreign Bodies including dust, metal, contact lenses, etc. can find their way into your eyes. Most
foreign bodies work themselves out on their own due to excessive reflex tearing, but some can
remain stuck in the eye or eyelids. The doctors are highly trained to detect foreign bodies in your
eye and remove them with anesthetic. If you think you have a foreign body in your eye please call
us immediately and we will get you in for evaluation.
Eyeglass Exams:
Most people lose vision due to normal changes in refractive error. Old, bent, scratched up glasses
can also cause your vision to be distorted. We offer routine refractive exams for new glasses to
make sure you are seeing at an optimal level. We guarantee our prescriptions to be correct. If you
feel your prescription is ever made in error we will be happy to recheck it for you.
Glaucoma Evaluations:
Glaucoma is a silent disease that robs you of your vision slowly over time. The only way to tell if
you have glaucoma is to have frequent, comprehensive eye exams. Persons with a family history or
risk factors for glaucoma should be seen at least yearly and in some cases every 3-6 months. Don't
hesitate. Schedule an appointment today if you feel you have any risk of developing this disease.
Medical Eye Exams:
Loss of vision, red eyes, eye pain, etc. can often result from a systemic or ocular medical problem.
Most major medical insurances will cover you for an eye exam if you have a medical compliant.
Call us immediately if you feel you have a medical eye problem.
Red Eye Evaluation and Treatment:
Red Eyes can occur due to allergies, contact lenses, dry eyes, infections, glaucoma, arthritis and a
host of other causes. If you have a red eye/eyes call us immediately and we will schedule an
evaluation to determine the cause and proper treatment.
Urgent Eyecare:
Some instances require urgent eyecare evaluations. If you have a very high prescription and lose
your glasses or contact/contacts. If you have red eyes, pain, discomfort, loss of vision, etc. please
do not hesitate to contact our office and we will schedule you an immediate evaluation.
Yearly Comprehensive Eye Exams are the best way to ensure clear, comfortable vision and early
detection/prevention of eye disease. The optometrists at Anderson Professional Eyecare strongly
recommend yearly exams and are available to provide you with the best in comprehensive eyecare
in a timely manner. We offer same day, next day, evening appointments to fit your schedule. Call
our office to conveniently schedule your appointment today.
Contact Lens Exams / Contact Lenses:
We offer the latest in Contact Lens Eyecare and High Quality/Brand Name Contact Lenses. We now
offer and highly recommend SiHi (Silicone Hydrogel) technology in contact lenses. SiHi lenses offer
superior oxygen transmission compared to Conventional Hema (Plastic) contacts. SiHi products we
offer include Purevision (B&L), Focus Night and Days (Ciba), Biofinity (Cooper Vision) and Acuvue
Oasys (J&J). Be sure to ask the doctors about this new technology during your exam.
Cataract Evaluations:
Cataracts are a common occurence in the 60's and 70's but can also occur in younger individuals.
The Doctors at Anderson Professional Eyecare are highly trained to recognize even the earliest signs
of Cataracts. We also have an extensive referral network of experienced cataract surgeons in the
Pooler and surrounding areas should the need for cataract surgery arise.
Designer Eyewear:
We offer the finest in Designer Eyewear Brands including Armani Exchange, BCBG Maxazria,
CK/Calvin Klein, Dior, Fisher Price for kids, Nickelodeon for kids, Flexon, Gucci, Modern Optical,
Costa Del Mar, Maui Jim, Ray Ban, Wiley X, Easytwist, Nine West, Thalia, Cynthia Rowley, Izod,
Ralph Lauren Polo, Cosmopolitan, Marvel Comics Eyewear, On-Guard Safety, Titmus Safety, Saks
Fifth Avenue and many more. We also offer the latest in lens technology including Transitions,
Crizal Alize with Clear Guard and Varilux Physio Progressive Lenses.
Dry Eye Diagnosis and Treatment:
Dry Eye is a common complaint in the Pooler and surrounding areas that can be worsened by
allergies and contact lens wear. The doctors are trained to detect Dry Eye Syndrome and can offer
you a variety of treatments including artificial tear products, tear duct occlusion therapy (punctal
plugs), Restasis, Thera Tears Nutrition and special contacts for dry eye sufferers.
Foreign Body Removal:
Foreign Bodies including dust, metal, contact lenses, etc. can find their way into your eyes. Most
foreign bodies work themselves out on their own due to excessive reflex tearing, but some can
remain stuck in the eye or eyelids. The doctors are highly trained to detect foreign bodies in your
eye and remove them with anesthetic. If you think you have a foreign body in your eye please call
us immediately and we will get you in for evaluation.
Eyeglass Exams:
Most people lose vision due to normal changes in refractive error. Old, bent, scratched up glasses
can also cause your vision to be distorted. We offer routine refractive exams for new glasses to
make sure you are seeing at an optimal level. We guarantee our prescriptions to be correct. If you
feel your prescription is ever made in error we will be happy to recheck it for you.
Glaucoma Evaluations:
Glaucoma is a silent disease that robs you of your vision slowly over time. The only way to tell if
you have glaucoma is to have frequent, comprehensive eye exams. Persons with a family history or
risk factors for glaucoma should be seen at least yearly and in some cases every 3-6 months. Don't
hesitate. Schedule an appointment today if you feel you have any risk of developing this disease.
Medical Eye Exams:
Loss of vision, red eyes, eye pain, etc. can often result from a systemic or ocular medical problem.
Most major medical insurances will cover you for an eye exam if you have a medical compliant.
Call us immediately if you feel you have a medical eye problem.
Red Eye Evaluation and Treatment:
Red Eyes can occur due to allergies, contact lenses, dry eyes, infections, glaucoma, arthritis and a
host of other causes. If you have a red eye/eyes call us immediately and we will schedule an
evaluation to determine the cause and proper treatment.
Urgent Eyecare:
Some instances require urgent eyecare evaluations. If you have a very high prescription and lose
your glasses or contact/contacts. If you have red eyes, pain, discomfort, loss of vision, etc. please
do not hesitate to contact our office and we will schedule you an immediate evaluation.
What EyeTests Will My Eye Doctor Perform?
Visual Acuity:
A visual acuity test is a measure of how well you see or the sharpness and clarity of your vision.
Your eye doctor will ask you to read letters on a chart while standing 20 feet away. The smallest
letters you are able to read will be recorded as your acuity. Your visual acuity may be written as
20/20 if your vision is normal. If your vision is reduced, it might be recorded as less than 20/20,
such as 20/100. If you have 20/100 vision, it means that you must be as close as 20 feet to see what
a person with normal vision can see at 100 feet. Someone with 20/60 vision would need to move up
to 20 feet away to read what a person with normal vision could read from 60 feet away.
Confrontation Visual Fields:
A confrontation visual field measures your overall field of vision. Your vision is actually divided in
the brain into four quadrants per eye. The test is administered by having you cover one eye. The
practitioner sits approximately an arm’s length away, directly in front of you. The vision in each
quadrant is measured by holding either one, two or five fingers up in each quadrant while having
you fixate only on the doctor’s eye. You identify how many fingers are held up without looking
directly at the fingers. The test is then repeated for the other eye. A visual field test also measures
your degree of peripheral vision and checks for blind spots, called scotomas. Depending on the
quadrants missed, systemic diseases such as strokes, glaucoma, hypertension, brain tumors and
other eye diseases may be diagnosed. Occasionally, eye doctors use an automated computerized
instrument, called a perimeter, to measure your visual field.
Extraocular Movements:
This test measures the muscles that control eye movement. This is usually a simple test conducted
by moving a pen or small object in different directions of gaze. Restrictions, weaknesses or poor
tracking of visual objects are often uncovered.
Pupillary Tests:
Pupillary reactions (the way your pupils dilate and constrict in response to light) can reveal a lot
about the health of the eyes and your body. The nerves that control the pupil travel through a long
pathway within the body. Therefore, certain pupillary reactions can reveal neurological problems.
Serious conditions can be found this way. Your pupil reactions are tested with a very bright light
directed toward one or both of your eyes. Your doctor may focus on one eye or swing the light back
and forth to study the way your pupils change.
Cover Test:
The cover test is performed to measure how well the eyes work together. It is a simple test in which
the doctor asks you to fixate on a near or distant object. He covers one eye, pauses, and then
uncovers it. He is evaluating your eye as it is uncovered, as it refixates on the target. This test helps
to detect crossed eyes, (strabismus) lazy eye, (amblyopia) or a decrease in depth perception.
Retinoscopy:
Retinoscopy is a test that gives your eye doctor a way to measure refraction, or your need for
glasses. It is usually performed early in an exam to estimate the patient’s prescription for glasses. In
most cases, the doctor will have you look at a very distant object, such as the large “E” on the eye
chart. A device called a retinoscope will then be shown into your eyes. A prescription will be
determined based on the degree of light reflecting off of the retina, usually fairly accurately. In
addition to giving your doctor a starting point, it is also particularly helpful in young children and
adults that may not be able to communicate effectively.
Refraction:
Most people remember refraction as the part of an exam in which the doctor asks the patient,
“Which lens is better, one or two?” Refraction is a subjective test to measure nearsightedness,
farsightedness, astigmatism or presbyopia. The doctor places an instrument, called a phoropter, in
front of your eyes. A series of lens comparisons are shown to you. The doctor will ask you which
lens is more clear. The results of the refraction test are primarily what the doctor uses to develop
your final eyeglass or contact lens prescription.
Slit Lamp Examination:
The doctor uses an instrument called a slit lamp, also called a biomicroscope, to examine the front
(anterior segment) and back (posterior segment) part of the eye to evaluate the overall health of the
eye. The instrument magnifies your eyes many times and uses a bright light to illuminate the eye
structures. Each part of the eye, including the eyelids and eyelashes, conjunctiva, cornea, iris,
crystalline lens and anterior chamber, is examined in a methodical manner to reveal any defects or
diseases. Cataracts can be diagnosed using the slit lamp.
Tonometry:
Tonometry is the measurement of the eye’s pressure, better known as IOP – intraocular pressure.
Your eye doctor will instill a drop of anesthetic into your eye. He will then place a small amount of
fluroscein (yellow dye) into the eye. A small device called a tonometer is moved close to the eye so
that it gently touches the cornea, measuring the pressure of the eye. If eye pressure is higher than
normal, your risk of developing glaucoma increases. (Some physicians prefer to measure eye
pressure with the "air puff" test. A non-contact tonometer (NCT) determines eye pressure with a
painless puff of air.)
Dilated Fundus Examination:
The dilated fundus examination is usually the last step in a comprehensive eye examination. Your
eye doctor will administer special eye drops to dilate your pupils. This increases the size of your
pupil, giving the doctor a larger window in which to inspect the internal eye heath. The doctor is
able to examine the vitreous, optic nerve, blood vessels, macula and retina. An instrument called a
binocular indirect ophthalmoscope is worn on the doctor’s head. This frees the doctor’s hands to
use a powerful lens to focus light emitted from the ophthalmoscope into the eye. With this
instrument, the image is a bit smaller but the field of view is much larger, allowing the doctor to
view the entire retina. The dilated fundus examination is a crucial part of an eye exam, as many eye
diseases can be detected during the test.
A visual acuity test is a measure of how well you see or the sharpness and clarity of your vision.
Your eye doctor will ask you to read letters on a chart while standing 20 feet away. The smallest
letters you are able to read will be recorded as your acuity. Your visual acuity may be written as
20/20 if your vision is normal. If your vision is reduced, it might be recorded as less than 20/20,
such as 20/100. If you have 20/100 vision, it means that you must be as close as 20 feet to see what
a person with normal vision can see at 100 feet. Someone with 20/60 vision would need to move up
to 20 feet away to read what a person with normal vision could read from 60 feet away.
Confrontation Visual Fields:
A confrontation visual field measures your overall field of vision. Your vision is actually divided in
the brain into four quadrants per eye. The test is administered by having you cover one eye. The
practitioner sits approximately an arm’s length away, directly in front of you. The vision in each
quadrant is measured by holding either one, two or five fingers up in each quadrant while having
you fixate only on the doctor’s eye. You identify how many fingers are held up without looking
directly at the fingers. The test is then repeated for the other eye. A visual field test also measures
your degree of peripheral vision and checks for blind spots, called scotomas. Depending on the
quadrants missed, systemic diseases such as strokes, glaucoma, hypertension, brain tumors and
other eye diseases may be diagnosed. Occasionally, eye doctors use an automated computerized
instrument, called a perimeter, to measure your visual field.
Extraocular Movements:
This test measures the muscles that control eye movement. This is usually a simple test conducted
by moving a pen or small object in different directions of gaze. Restrictions, weaknesses or poor
tracking of visual objects are often uncovered.
Pupillary Tests:
Pupillary reactions (the way your pupils dilate and constrict in response to light) can reveal a lot
about the health of the eyes and your body. The nerves that control the pupil travel through a long
pathway within the body. Therefore, certain pupillary reactions can reveal neurological problems.
Serious conditions can be found this way. Your pupil reactions are tested with a very bright light
directed toward one or both of your eyes. Your doctor may focus on one eye or swing the light back
and forth to study the way your pupils change.
Cover Test:
The cover test is performed to measure how well the eyes work together. It is a simple test in which
the doctor asks you to fixate on a near or distant object. He covers one eye, pauses, and then
uncovers it. He is evaluating your eye as it is uncovered, as it refixates on the target. This test helps
to detect crossed eyes, (strabismus) lazy eye, (amblyopia) or a decrease in depth perception.
Retinoscopy:
Retinoscopy is a test that gives your eye doctor a way to measure refraction, or your need for
glasses. It is usually performed early in an exam to estimate the patient’s prescription for glasses. In
most cases, the doctor will have you look at a very distant object, such as the large “E” on the eye
chart. A device called a retinoscope will then be shown into your eyes. A prescription will be
determined based on the degree of light reflecting off of the retina, usually fairly accurately. In
addition to giving your doctor a starting point, it is also particularly helpful in young children and
adults that may not be able to communicate effectively.
Refraction:
Most people remember refraction as the part of an exam in which the doctor asks the patient,
“Which lens is better, one or two?” Refraction is a subjective test to measure nearsightedness,
farsightedness, astigmatism or presbyopia. The doctor places an instrument, called a phoropter, in
front of your eyes. A series of lens comparisons are shown to you. The doctor will ask you which
lens is more clear. The results of the refraction test are primarily what the doctor uses to develop
your final eyeglass or contact lens prescription.
Slit Lamp Examination:
The doctor uses an instrument called a slit lamp, also called a biomicroscope, to examine the front
(anterior segment) and back (posterior segment) part of the eye to evaluate the overall health of the
eye. The instrument magnifies your eyes many times and uses a bright light to illuminate the eye
structures. Each part of the eye, including the eyelids and eyelashes, conjunctiva, cornea, iris,
crystalline lens and anterior chamber, is examined in a methodical manner to reveal any defects or
diseases. Cataracts can be diagnosed using the slit lamp.
Tonometry:
Tonometry is the measurement of the eye’s pressure, better known as IOP – intraocular pressure.
Your eye doctor will instill a drop of anesthetic into your eye. He will then place a small amount of
fluroscein (yellow dye) into the eye. A small device called a tonometer is moved close to the eye so
that it gently touches the cornea, measuring the pressure of the eye. If eye pressure is higher than
normal, your risk of developing glaucoma increases. (Some physicians prefer to measure eye
pressure with the "air puff" test. A non-contact tonometer (NCT) determines eye pressure with a
painless puff of air.)
Dilated Fundus Examination:
The dilated fundus examination is usually the last step in a comprehensive eye examination. Your
eye doctor will administer special eye drops to dilate your pupils. This increases the size of your
pupil, giving the doctor a larger window in which to inspect the internal eye heath. The doctor is
able to examine the vitreous, optic nerve, blood vessels, macula and retina. An instrument called a
binocular indirect ophthalmoscope is worn on the doctor’s head. This frees the doctor’s hands to
use a powerful lens to focus light emitted from the ophthalmoscope into the eye. With this
instrument, the image is a bit smaller but the field of view is much larger, allowing the doctor to
view the entire retina. The dilated fundus examination is a crucial part of an eye exam, as many eye
diseases can be detected during the test.
What to Expect:
As with all medicine, early diagnosis and treatment can help people with their overall health. Just as
with a physical, it makes sense to visit an ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.) or optometrist (Eye O.D.) for a
routine eye exam.
A series of tests will be performed to assess acuity, refraction and potential eye disease.
Your Eye M.D. or Eye O.D. will begin by asking a series of questions about your medical and eye
health history, including any noticeable eye problems. Next he or she will evaluate your visual
acuity by determining the smallest letters you can read on a standardized eye chart.
Your Eye M.D. or Eye O.D. will also test for refractive errors. A refractive error means that the shape
of your eye doesn't refract the light properly, so that the image you see is blurred. Although
refractive errors are called eye disorders, they are not diseases.
There are four types of refractive error:
• Myopia (nearsightedness): Close objects look clear, but distant objects appear blurred.
• Hyperopia (farsightedness): Where distant objects will look clear but close objects are blurry
• Astigmatism: Vision is blurred for both near and far objects.
• Presbyopia: The eyes gradually lose the ability to change focus from distance to near.
Many people will have one or more of these refractive errors.
To correct a refractive error, an Eye M.D. or Eye O.D. may recommend glasses, contact lenses, or
refractive surgery.
In addition, an Eye M.D. or Eye O.D. will test:
• Eyelid health and function
• Coordination of eye muscles
• Pupil response to light
• Side, or peripheral vision
• Intraocular pressure, the pressure inside the eye
• Anterior segment of the eye, the area in front of the lens, including the cornea and iris
• The interior and back of the eye, including the retina
After the examination your Eye M.D. or Eye O.D. will discuss the results with you. If there is any
eye disease, treatments with medication, including eye drops, may be recommended.
In some cases, certain eye diseases require laser surgery or other surgical procedures. Some of the
treatments are taken care of by your regular Eye M.D. Or, you may be referred to a subspecialist,
such as a cornea or retina specialist.
Recommended Intervals for Regular Eye Exams:
If you have any of these risk factors for eye problems, you may need to see your Eye M.D. or Eye
O.D. more often than recommended below:
• Family history of eye problems
• African American over age 40
• Diabetes
• History of eye injury
Before Age 3:
Since it is possible for your child to have a serious vision problem without being aware of it, your
child should have his or her eyes screened during regular pediatric appointments. Vision testing is
recommended for all children starting around 3 years of age.
If there is a family history of vision problems or if your child appears to have any of the following
conditions speak to your Eye M.D. or Eye O.D. promptly about when and how often your child's eyes
should be examined:
• Strabismus (crossed eyes)
• Amblyopia (lazy eye)
• Ptosis (drooping of the upper eyelid)
Age 3 to 19:
To ensure your child or teenager's eyes remain healthy, he or she should have his or her eyes
screened every one to two years during regular pediatric or family physician check-up appointments.
Age 20 to 39:
Most young adults have healthy eyes, but they still need to take care of their vision by wearing
protective eyewear when playing sports, doing yard work, working with chemicals, or taking part in
other activities that could cause an eye injury.
Have a complete eye exam at least once between the ages of 20 and 29 and at least twice between the
ages of 30 and 39.
Also, be aware of symptoms that could indicate a problem. See an Eye M.D. or Eye O.D. if you
experience any eye conditions, such as:
• Visual changes or pain
• Flashes of light
• Seeing spots or ghost-like images
• Lines appear distorted or wavy
• Dry eyes with itching and burning
Age 40 to 64:
As of July 2007, the American Academy of Ophthalmology has issued a new eye disease screening
recommendation for aging adults.
The Academy now recommends that adults with no signs or risk factors for eye disease get a
baseline eye disease screening at age 40—the time when early signs of disease and changes in vision
may start to occur. Based on the results of the initial screening, an ophthalmologist will prescribe
the necessary intervals for follow-up exams.
For individuals at any age with symptoms of or at risk for eye disease, such as those with a family
history of eye disease, diabetes or high blood pressure, the Academy recommends that individuals
see their ophthalmologist or optometrist to determine how frequently their eyes should be
examined.
The new recommendation does not replace regular visits to the ophthalmologist to treat ongoing
disease or injuries or for vision examinations for eye glasses or contact lenses. Much like
mammograms at 40 or colon screenings at 50, this new eye disease screening is a reminder to adults
as they age that they need to maintain their eye health.
with a physical, it makes sense to visit an ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.) or optometrist (Eye O.D.) for a
routine eye exam.
A series of tests will be performed to assess acuity, refraction and potential eye disease.
Your Eye M.D. or Eye O.D. will begin by asking a series of questions about your medical and eye
health history, including any noticeable eye problems. Next he or she will evaluate your visual
acuity by determining the smallest letters you can read on a standardized eye chart.
Your Eye M.D. or Eye O.D. will also test for refractive errors. A refractive error means that the shape
of your eye doesn't refract the light properly, so that the image you see is blurred. Although
refractive errors are called eye disorders, they are not diseases.
There are four types of refractive error:
• Myopia (nearsightedness): Close objects look clear, but distant objects appear blurred.
• Hyperopia (farsightedness): Where distant objects will look clear but close objects are blurry
• Astigmatism: Vision is blurred for both near and far objects.
• Presbyopia: The eyes gradually lose the ability to change focus from distance to near.
Many people will have one or more of these refractive errors.
To correct a refractive error, an Eye M.D. or Eye O.D. may recommend glasses, contact lenses, or
refractive surgery.
In addition, an Eye M.D. or Eye O.D. will test:
• Eyelid health and function
• Coordination of eye muscles
• Pupil response to light
• Side, or peripheral vision
• Intraocular pressure, the pressure inside the eye
• Anterior segment of the eye, the area in front of the lens, including the cornea and iris
• The interior and back of the eye, including the retina
After the examination your Eye M.D. or Eye O.D. will discuss the results with you. If there is any
eye disease, treatments with medication, including eye drops, may be recommended.
In some cases, certain eye diseases require laser surgery or other surgical procedures. Some of the
treatments are taken care of by your regular Eye M.D. Or, you may be referred to a subspecialist,
such as a cornea or retina specialist.
Recommended Intervals for Regular Eye Exams:
If you have any of these risk factors for eye problems, you may need to see your Eye M.D. or Eye
O.D. more often than recommended below:
• Family history of eye problems
• African American over age 40
• Diabetes
• History of eye injury
Before Age 3:
Since it is possible for your child to have a serious vision problem without being aware of it, your
child should have his or her eyes screened during regular pediatric appointments. Vision testing is
recommended for all children starting around 3 years of age.
If there is a family history of vision problems or if your child appears to have any of the following
conditions speak to your Eye M.D. or Eye O.D. promptly about when and how often your child's eyes
should be examined:
• Strabismus (crossed eyes)
• Amblyopia (lazy eye)
• Ptosis (drooping of the upper eyelid)
Age 3 to 19:
To ensure your child or teenager's eyes remain healthy, he or she should have his or her eyes
screened every one to two years during regular pediatric or family physician check-up appointments.
Age 20 to 39:
Most young adults have healthy eyes, but they still need to take care of their vision by wearing
protective eyewear when playing sports, doing yard work, working with chemicals, or taking part in
other activities that could cause an eye injury.
Have a complete eye exam at least once between the ages of 20 and 29 and at least twice between the
ages of 30 and 39.
Also, be aware of symptoms that could indicate a problem. See an Eye M.D. or Eye O.D. if you
experience any eye conditions, such as:
• Visual changes or pain
• Flashes of light
• Seeing spots or ghost-like images
• Lines appear distorted or wavy
• Dry eyes with itching and burning
Age 40 to 64:
As of July 2007, the American Academy of Ophthalmology has issued a new eye disease screening
recommendation for aging adults.
The Academy now recommends that adults with no signs or risk factors for eye disease get a
baseline eye disease screening at age 40—the time when early signs of disease and changes in vision
may start to occur. Based on the results of the initial screening, an ophthalmologist will prescribe
the necessary intervals for follow-up exams.
For individuals at any age with symptoms of or at risk for eye disease, such as those with a family
history of eye disease, diabetes or high blood pressure, the Academy recommends that individuals
see their ophthalmologist or optometrist to determine how frequently their eyes should be
examined.
The new recommendation does not replace regular visits to the ophthalmologist to treat ongoing
disease or injuries or for vision examinations for eye glasses or contact lenses. Much like
mammograms at 40 or colon screenings at 50, this new eye disease screening is a reminder to adults
as they age that they need to maintain their eye health.
Why the New Recommendation?
A baseline evaluation is important because it may detect eye diseases common in adults aged 40 and
older. The evaluation creates greater opportunity for early treatment and preservation of vision.
A thorough ophthalmologic or optometric evaluation can uncover common abnormalities of the
visual system and related structures, as well as less common but extremely serious ones, such as
ocular tumors. This evaluation can also uncover evidence of many forms of systemic disease that
affect the eyes, like hypertension and diabetes. With appropriate intervention, potentially blinding
diseases such as glaucoma, cataract and diabetic retinopathy often have a favorable outcome.
Several common eye diseases can impact people 40 and older without them knowing there is any
problem with their eyes.
Age 65 and Over:
Seniors age 65 and over should have complete eye exams by their Eye M.D. or Eye O.D. every one to
two years to check for cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy
and other eye conditions.
older. The evaluation creates greater opportunity for early treatment and preservation of vision.
A thorough ophthalmologic or optometric evaluation can uncover common abnormalities of the
visual system and related structures, as well as less common but extremely serious ones, such as
ocular tumors. This evaluation can also uncover evidence of many forms of systemic disease that
affect the eyes, like hypertension and diabetes. With appropriate intervention, potentially blinding
diseases such as glaucoma, cataract and diabetic retinopathy often have a favorable outcome.
Several common eye diseases can impact people 40 and older without them knowing there is any
problem with their eyes.
Age 65 and Over:
Seniors age 65 and over should have complete eye exams by their Eye M.D. or Eye O.D. every one to
two years to check for cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy
and other eye conditions.
