Comprehensive eye exams are an integral part of maintaining your overall health.
A comprehensive eye exam can be thought of as a physical exam for the eye as it looks at the entire eye and visual system. Comprehensive eye exams detect disorders and diseases of the eye such as cataracts, glaucoma, retinal detachments, macular degeneration, as well as other systemic health problems such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
Our optometrists will ask you questions relating to your eyes and medical history, measure your vision to determine whether you need glasses and/or contact lenses, and examine your eye health by using several lights and machines to look at your eyes, inside and out. Our doctors will also discuss the results of any ancillary testing that was completed to ensure you have a complete understanding of your eyes and eye health.
Eye Health & Exam Frequency
Infants:
Most newborns are born with all the ocular structures required for them to see, but they are not yet fully developed. As babies grow, their vision will continue to develop and they will start to see more details. Doctors of optometry recommend infants have their first comprehensive eye exams between six and nine months. An optometrist can use a number of child-friendly tests to evaluate your child’s vision and eye health. If there is a family history of amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (turned eye) or you have concerns, do not hesitate to make an appointment for your child sooner.
Preschoolers:
Children of this age are learning quickly and are starting to develop skills like hand-eye coordination and depth perception. If you notice any behaviour that may indicate a visual problem such as an eye turn, squinting, covering or closing one eye, book an eye exam with your Doctor of Optometry. Your child should have at least one eye exam between ages two and five.
School-age Children:
About 80% of learning is visual – this is not just how well they see, but includes a variety of visual skills like tracking and focusing. If a child has poor visual skills, your child’s eyes will need to work harder, which can lead to headaches or fatigue. A child will not know they have a vision problem, so it is important to ensure your child is monitored regularly by an optometrist. Doctors of optometry recommend your child have an eye exam every year while they are in school to monitor their eyes for any eye conditions that may develop.
Adults:
A regular eye exam is important to maintaining your overall health. Your eyes can change as you age, so it is recommended adults aged 19 to 64 have a comprehensive eye exam at least once every 2 years. A doctor of optometry will monitor any changes in your prescription, as well as development of presbyopia, cataracts and other eye diseases. Occasionally, an eye exam can uncover underlying health issues like high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. Some health conditions may require more frequent eye exams – talk to your doctor of optometry to find out how often you should be seen.
Seniors:
Vision needs change as people age. As a result, having regular care from a doctor of optometry is critical. Many conditions can cause no symptoms in their early stages, so early diagnosis and treatment is key to protecting your vision. These conditions can include cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and glaucoma. Your doctor of optometry will monitor your eyes and can identify potential health issues early. At age 65 or older, adults should have an eye exam at least once a year.
Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive eye exams or to schedule an appointment with one of our optometrists.