If you are like most people you probably dread going to the dentist, especially if you have a cavity. Even dentists know that it is unpleasant to have to sit with your mouth pried open while they tool around in there. Honestly though, how much worse is it to have a throbbing tooth ache or a tooth go abscess? Sometimes we are afraid to admit that we need help and to seek it. Face it, our quality of life really begins with our health. If you don’t have your health you have nothing. Taking care of your self should be a top priority. So, when was the last time you had an eye exam?
It’s time to put the “I Care” into eye care and that begins with you setting up an eye exam. Don’t worry, they aren't that scary. I will talk you through what to expect below.
Why Do I Need an Eye Exam?
We discussed above why you need an eye exam: to lead a healthy, active life. Eye exams may detect a potentially treatable disease that would otherwise leave you blind. As well as detecting ocular manifestations of systemic disease and signs of tumors or other potential problems of the brain. If you have a condition that affects your sight get it diagnosed and optimize your vision.
What happens at an Eye Exam?
An eye exam is an array of tests performed by an ophthalmologist, optometrist, or orthoptist to assess your vision and ability to focus on and distinguish objects. Additionally, eye exams look for any possible diseases that affect the eyes or present symptoms there.
Even before the eye exam begins your eye care specialist will obtain a thorough medical history to learn about your eyes. This could be done as simply as by asking questions such as: are your eyes bothering you; whether anyone in your family has any history of eye problems such as glaucoma; if you have any known eye diseases; if you have ever injured your eyes or have had eye surgery.
Typically, at an eye exam there are several routine tests, such as:
• Checking ability to read an eye chart
• Light reflections on eyes
• Lens choices to see when pictures become most clear
• Cover tests, to see the strain on each eye when the other is covered
• Magnified instruments to check for diseases and infections
• Measuring the pressure inside each eye
• Dilation of the pupils
These are all simple in office procedures conducted with your health and comfort in mind.
How often should I get an eye exam?
The frequency of eye examinations depends on a number of factors such as medical history, age, if you have any ocular conditions, or if anyone in your family has a history of ocular diseases. Once you have had an entrance exam your eye care specialist will help you determine how often you should have routine follow ups. Typically, you should have a checkup a minimum of once every 1-2 years.
See, that wasn’t so bad. Sure, this was just a ‘virtual’ tour of an eye exam, but you can do it, especially now that you know what to expect. Be proactive in your health and have the fore’sight’ to act, pun intended! Contact Vision pro today to set up an eye exam.
