What are the Benefits of a Comprehensive Eye Exam?

Comprehensive eye exams evaluate all aspects of your vision and eye health.
A comprehensive eye exam looks at your eye externally and internally for any signs of eye disease, then tests your vision in a variety of ways. It evaluates more than just what you can see today, it makes sure that your eyes will stay healthy and see well for the forseable future as well!

• External Exam – This is an evaluation of the whites of your eyes, the iris, pupil, eyelids, and eyelashes.

• Internal Exam – This is an evaluation of the retina and optic nerve while your eyes are dilated.

• Visual Function and Eye Health – This includes testing depth perception, color vision, peripheral vision, and the response of the pupils to light, as well as an evaluation of eye focusing, eye teaming, and eye movement abilities.

• Glaucoma Testing – This is a test of fluid pressure within your eyes to check for the possibility of glaucoma.

• Visual Acuity – Your doctor will test your vision with different lenses to determine if glasses or contact lenses can improve your vision.
   

Comprehensive eye exams look at your total health history.
Your eyes are part of your body, and the health of your body can show up in your eyes! Your eye doctor will discuss your overall health and that of your immediate family, any medications you’re taking, and whether you have high blood pressure or diabetes. They’ll also want to know if you smoke and how much sun exposure you get. All these factors help the eye doctor properly assess your eye health.

The American Optometric Association recommends an eye exam every two years if you aren’t having any problems and you’re aged 18-60.   After the age of 61, you should schedule a comprehensive exam annually or as recommended by your eye doctor.