services
Comprehensive Ophthalmology/Eye Exams
THE COMPREHENSIVE EYE EXAMINATION
A comprehensive eye exam is different from a vision screening, which only tests vision and is commonly performed by a school nurse, pediatrician or other health care provider. Only an eye doctor can perform a comprehensive eye exam to evaluate the overall health of the eye and detect any changes that may indicate a vision disorder.
A comprehensive eye exam examines all aspects of the eye and should include:
- Visual Acuity Testing
- Refraction
- Pupil Check
- Eye Muscle Testing
- Slit Lamp Exam
- Dilated Fundus Examination
- Eye Pressure Test for Glaucoma
Depending on the findings, additional testing may be indicated to determine other eye conditions, such as Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Retinopathy, or other medical conditions (Diabetes, Heart Disease, Tumors, Stroke).
TREATMENT AFTER
After completing the comprehensive exam and coming to an accurate diagnosis, the doctor will develop a treatment plan based on the findings of the exam. This treatment plan may include:
- A new prescription for eyeglasses
- Eyedrops, over-the-counter or prescription
- Vitamins, sometimes with more specific eye supplements
- Surgery
- Referral to other eye or medical specialists
COMMON EYE CONDITIONS
The most common eye conditions diagnosed during a comprehensive exam involve refractive errors that cause blurred vision for patients: Myopia, Hyperopia and Astigmatism. These conditions affect millions of people in the United States and often get progressively worse as patients age. Fortunately, refractive errors can be easily treated to let patients enjoy clear vision at all distances. All of these vision conditions can be effectively treated with either eyeglasses or contact lenses. Eyewear may be used during certain activities, such as watching television or driving, or at all times. Our patients are given a wide selection of eyeglass frames, lenses and contact lenses to choose from in our Optical Shop. A full service lab is available to prepare the lenses for patients while they wait.
MYOPIA
Also known as nearsightedness, this condition allows patients to see clearly at near but distant objects appear blurry. Almost one third of people in the United States have some degree of myopia.
HYPEROPIA
Also known as farsightedness, this condition allows patients to see distant objects more clearly than objects at near. The eye is designed to focus images directly on the surface of the retina; with hyperopia, light rays focus behind the surface of the retina, producing a blurry image. Astigmatism occurs when the cornea – the clear covering over the eye – is slightly irregular in shape, preventing light from focusing properly on the retina in the back of the eye. With astigmatism some of that light focuses either in front of or behind the retina, resulting in vision that may be blurry for either near or far vision or, for all objects.