Why is a comprehensive eye exam important?
The short answer is to prevent blindness. Much of the sensory information going to the brain is visual. Eye diseases and vision disorders may cause disability, pain, decreased productivity, and even loss of sight. Early detection and treatment may minimize and even prevent the damage.
A medical examination is the only way to find changes inside your eye.
There is a difference between a vision screening and a comprehensive eye exam. A vision screening identifies vision problems, but it does not take the place of a comprehensive eye exam. A vision screening is like measuring your blood pressure; it only gives one aspect of your overall health. A comprehensive eye exam, which can only be conducted by an optometrist or an ophthalmologist, is an in-depth assessment of your eye health and vision status.
As a person ages, the possibility of ocular and systemic disease increases, and age related changes in vision and the eye make comprehensive eye exams particularly important for older patients.
- Patient and family health and visual history
- Auto refractor preliminary prescription determination
- Digital retinal Image
- Visual acuity measurement
- Preliminary tests of visual function and eye health including peripheral vision and response of the pupils to light
- Assessment of refractive status to determine the presence of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism
- Evaluation of eye focusing, eye teaming, and eye movement abilities
- Eye pressure
- Dilation, if necessary, for patients with ocular disease or other concerns
- Eye health examination
- Additional tests as needed
- Post exam consultation with Dr. Taylor