Eye Exams
How often to get an eye exam?
The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends eye exams
every two years for low-risk adults aged 18–64, but annually for those considered at-risk, and every year for adults aged 65 and older. At-risk individuals include those with a family history of eye disease, people who wear glasses or contacts, or those with certain medical conditions.
Children (6 months to 17 years):
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Age 6 months: First eye exam
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Age 3: Another exam
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Before starting school
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Annually throughout school (ages 6–17)
Comprehensive Eye Exams
Maintaining your visual health is all about being proactive, which means comprehensive vision exams are critical. These regular visits to the eye doctor can help keep you seeing clearly, monitor your eyes for concerning changes, and more.
The Typical Components of a Comprehensive Eye Exam
Visual Acuity Test
Using the Snellen chart, the eye doctor will determine how accurately you can read letters of different sizes. Each eye will be tested independently and together.
Visual Field Test
Visual field tests assess how well you can use your peripheral (side) and central vision. You will be shown a chart with a target to focus on while the doctor asks questions.
Refraction
Using a phoropter, the eye doctor will use a series of lenses to determine which corrective lenses help you see clearly. This is only done if you already wear corrective lenses or refractive errors are suspected.
Dilated Eye Exam
The eye doctor will add drops to your eyes that open up the pupils, which will allow them to look at parts of the eye like the retina and optic nerve. The slit lamp allows the eye doctor to get a closer look at the internal structures of the eye by focusing a thin slit of light into certain areas.
Tonometry
Tonometry tests are used to measure the level of intraocular pressure within the eye. This is an important test to detect glaucoma and other eye health conditions.
Eye Exam FAQs
Do I need to bring my glasses for an eye exam?
If you already wear corrective lenses, it is good to bring these to your appointment. Doing so will allow the eye doctor to determine if the lenses you are wearing are still helping your vision as much as possible.
Can you drive after an eye exam?
Most patients can drive fine after an eye exam. The only part of the exam that could affect your vision afterward is the dilation, which can cause some blurred vision and light sensitivity. This affects individuals differently but passes relatively quickly.
Visit an Optometrist for a Comprehensive Eye Exam
Eye exams are vital when it comes to your overall visual health. If it has been a while since you have had a comprehensive eye exam, reach out to us to schedule an appointment.
