What to Expect from an Eye Exam

Eye exams are an important part of your overall health and should not be put off or ignored. Beginning at age six months, everyone should have regular and routine eye exams. After age six months, eye exams should recur at age three and once again at age six, preceding every two years until age 61; at which point individuals should receive regular eye exams every year.

While eye exams are used to determine whether an individual has a need for prescription glasses due to a problem with eyesight, eye exams can also be used to determine a variety of eye diseases which can ultimately impact how well you can see. In some cases, if eye diseases are not detected early enough they may eventually lead to blindness; which is one of the many reasons why it is so imperative to receive eye exams on a regular basis.

A comprehensive eye exam will cover many areas. The doctor will begin by taking a complete health history which will include questions about chronic disease, prescriptions, allergies and other health conditions. Certain health issues, such as diabetes, can have a strong impact on the health of your eyes, so it’s important to be completely up front about your health and the health of your family.

When going in for your eye exam, it’s important to realize that the doctor will need to exam both the outside as well as the inside of your eye in order to perform an accurate and complete exam. During the exam, the doctor will conduct a number of test to determine how well you are able to see near as well as far distances. Your eye coordination, depth perception, color vision and field of vision will also be examined. The doctor may use a variety of methods, as well as tools and techniques to make these determinations.

You should also be aware that the doctor will also usually find it necessary to dilate your eyes during the exam to test for problems associated with the health of your eyes. While this procedure can be somewhat startling and uncomfortable it does not really hurt. Your eyes may be somewhat sensitive to bright light and sunlight following the exam; however. Usually you will be able to drive following the eye exam; unless your doctor plans to perform special tests.

The results of your exam will determine what, if any treatments you may need. Options include prescriptions for eye glasses, contacts, vision therapy or even prescription medication. In some cases, certain problems with your vision may actually correct themselves over a period of time when you engage in vision therapy and you may not need corrective lenses at all. In other cases, only surgery will correct certain vision problems.

It is not that uncommon to find that you may have a slight vision problem, such as an astigmatism, that does not require immediate treatment but that your doctor may wish to evaluate in a few months or so. If your doctor indicates this to you, it is very important that you make the time for your follow-up appointment as your condition may grow worse over time or clear up all-together. Remember; never try to self-diagnose and determine whether your condition has improved. Once your vision is gone, you may never be able to get it back.

Jason Petrina is the Editor and Publisher of Article Click. For more FREE articles for your ezine and websites visit - www.articleclick.com

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