What to Expect at Your Next Comprehensive Eye Exam

When was the last time you had a comprehensive eye exam? Comprehensive eye exams are not only necessary when you notice a change in your vision.

Regular eye exams ensure that you maintain clear sight and optimal ocular health.

Keep reading to find out what to expect at your next comprehensive eye exam.

What Happens During an Eye Exam?

Your eye doctor will start by discussing whether you have any concerns regarding your vision. They will ask if you have noticed any changes.

They will review your medical history, considering the health of your eyes and how healthy you are. At Grand Rapids Ophthalmology, we conduct a thorough evaluation of your eyes using a variety of methods.

First, you will receive eye drops to dilate your pupils. Your eye doctor will then measure your ability to perceive objects from various distances. They will also measure your eye pressure to ensure it is within a healthy range.

The eye has many structures, including the cornea, pupil, iris, lens, retina, and optic nerve. Our team of eye care professionals will closely examine these areas to check that they are functioning correctly.

Your eye exam is a time to determine whether you have a refractive error. These include nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and whether you need updated glasses or contact lens prescriptions. A refraction helps us determine your lens prescription.

After completing our evaluation, we will make recommendations so you can maintain clear vision and healthy eyes. An eye exam typically takes an hour and a half.

Because of the pupil dilation, it will take four to six hours after your eye exam for your near vision to be clear again. Since dilated eyes can be sensitive to light, we encourage you to wear sunglasses in the hours following your exam for your comfort.

Why are Eye Exams Important?

An eye exam is more than checking to see if your prescription has changed. It is an opportunity to spot early signs of eye conditions before they begin seriously affecting your vision.

During a comprehensive eye exam, your eye doctor will look for early symptoms of eye conditions that can otherwise go unnoticed. For example, many people with glaucoma are unaware they have it.

While you may not have any symptoms, your ophthalmologist can detect glaucoma in its early stages during a comprehensive eye exam. This allows them to intervene before it causes permanent damage.

Since early detection is key to successful treatment, diagnosing a condition as soon as possible is vital. Eye exams are preventative care and a great step in maintaining the health of your eyes.

How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam?

How often you should get an eye exam depends on several factors. Specifically, it depends on your age and whether you have any eye conditions.

A child’s first eye exam should occur by the time they begin kindergarten. For anyone who is nearsighted, farsighted, or astigmatic, you should schedule an exam every year.

Adults with no refractive errors should get an eye exam at least every other year. When you get older, eye exams should be more frequent.

Because you become more likely to develop glaucoma or cataracts with age, you should get exams annually once you turn 65.