Why do I need to have eye exams?
General eye exams are important in preventive care. Dr. Garrana can diagnose problems like cataracts and glaucoma, monitor chronic conditions, and make sure that your vision correction is always up-to-date through general eye exams.
In a general eye exam, Dr. Garrana can diagnose serious eye disease even before you have obvious symptoms, allowing you to treat the problem before you suffer serious vision loss.
What can I expect during my general eye exam?
Dr. Garrana starts with an interview in which you'll discuss your medical and eye health history. This information helps Dr. Garrana tailor the exam to your needs. Most general eye exams include the following:
- External exam: inspection of your outer eye and its surrounding areas
- Pupil test: evaluation of pupil size, shape, response to light, and focusing ability
- Muscle movement: checks muscle movement in six different directions and also tracking ability
- Visual field: checks each eye individually to measure peripheral vision
- Visual acuity: reading from an eye chart or projection, with each eye tested independently
- Refraction: tests a series of lenses to find the right glasses or contacts prescription
- Color vision: checks for color blindness
- Ophthalmoscopy or slit-lamp exam: checks your retina and the rest of your inner-eye structures
- Tonometry: measuring inner-eye pressure to check for glaucoma
A general eye exam can include dilation, which allows Dr. Garrana to get an improved view during the ophthalmoscopy or slit-lamp exam of the inside of your eye.
How often should I have general eye exams?
Dr. Garrana recommends the following general guidelines for most patients.
- Birth-age 3: vision checks as a component of pediatric checkups
- Age 3-6: general eye exams annually or every two years based on need
- Age 6-18: general eye exams as recommended
- Age 20-29: one general eye exam
- Age 30-39: at least two general eye exams
- Age 40-65: general eye exams every two to three years
- After age 65: general eye exams annually or every two years as needed
If you have a chronic condition that puts your eye health at risk, for example, diabetes, you need eye exams annually or more often. Also, patients who have a family history of eye disease or are already diagnosed with an eye condition like glaucoma need more frequent eye exams.
To get a general eye exam from a leading ophthalmology expert, use online scheduling or call the Advanced Lasik office closest to you today.
