About Eye Exams
General vision tests are quite routine to the majority of people. Children commonly receive vision screenings at school, and acuity tests are also necessary when renewing your driver's license. However, vision screenings don't address your total eye health. Consequently, having thorough eye exams on a regular basis is extremely important. People between the ages of 18 – 40 should get their eyes examined every two years while those over 40 should schedule eye evaluations roughly every 2 – 4 years. According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), children should have their first eye evaluations around six months old.
At inVision Ophthalmology Tuscaloosa, comprehensive ocular health exams involve multiple important testing approaches that enable our team to check your total eye health. These tests are particularly important since several vision-threatening problems, such as macular degeneration, often don't have any symptoms. Keep an eye on your ocular health by scheduling routine appointments with our experienced team. We routinely treat patients of all ages and offer pediatric exams at our office in Tuscaloosa, AL.
Eye Exams Reviews
What are the Benefits of Eye Exams?
Most people see an eye doctor for vision screenings and updates to their prescriptions, but did you know that comprehensive eye exams can do so much more? inVision Ophthalmology Tuscaloosa can provide valuable insights into your overall health and wellness with the following benefits:
- Detecting early signs of disease: An eye exam catches early signs of serious health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
- Monitoring for changes: If you have a family history of glaucoma or other vision problems, regular exams help us catch any changes in your condition.
- Improving performance: If you work in a field that requires frequent use of computers or other digital devices, our team can make sure your vision is clear and healthy during your day-to-day life.
Am I a Candidate for an Eye Exam?
Almost everyone can be considered a candidate for an occular health exam - from children as young as six months old to seniors in their 80s, 90s, and beyond. Even men, women, and children who have good vision, do not currently require corrective lenses, and have no known history of eye problems are still considered candidates for regular eye exams - and are encouraged to get them - in order to monitor any changes in their vision or ocular health over time. Because many eye conditions and serious eye diseases go asymptomatic until they become untreatable, all patients should follow their provider's recommendations for routine eye exams.
What to Expect During an Eye Exam
Your evaluation at inVision Ophthalmology Tuscaloosa will start with a basic visual acuity test to measure how clear your sight is. If this test shows that you would benefit from corrective lenses, we will likely perform refractive testing to establish your prescription. Your exam may also include tests that measure your peripheral vision, as well as how your eyes work together. Your doctor may also perform a slit lamp test to see a magnified view of your eyes and detect a number of eye conditions. We might need to dilate your pupils in order to thoroughly examine the health of the retina, retinal blood vessels, optic nerve, and the macula, as well as to look for signs of glaucoma. Even individuals who get great results need to continue to schedule eye exams every 2 – 4 years so that if any problems do arise, they can be detected and treated early.
Eye Exams FAQ
How long does a comprehensive eye exam last?
Depending on if an issue is discovered during your exam, most comprehensive eye examinations at inVision Ophthalmology Tuscaloosa last about 30 – 90 minutes.
What will a comprehensive eye exam measure?
A comprehensive eye exam performed by Dr. Young Choi or Dr. Stephanie Bedsole at our Tuscaloosa, AL facility will determine the following:
- Visual acuity
- Depth perception
- Color vision
- Overall eye health
- Response to light
It is more inclusive than a simple routine eye exam, which mainly checks for refractive vision errors.
Does a comprehensive eye exam include dilation?
Dilation involves placing drops in your eyes that cause your pupils to widen so that our practitioners can get a better view of the back of your eye. We can check for ailments like glaucoma that can prohibitively impair vision if not addressed. Most comprehensive eye exams include dilation, but it depends on each individual patient and their symptoms.
How often should I get an eye exam?
At inVision Ophthalmology Tuscaloosa, we recommend that adults with no existing eye conditions get an eye exam every one to two years. Children and seniors, or those with medical conditions affecting the eyes, should come in for exams more frequently.
What can I expect during an eye exam?
Your eye exam at inVision Ophthalmology Tuscaloosa will typically include tests for visual acuity, eye pressure, and a detailed evaluation of your eye health. Our experienced ophthalmologists will use advanced equipment to make sure your eyes are in optimal condition.
Do I need to prepare for an eye exam?
There's minimal preparation required for an eye exam at inVision Ophthalmology Tuscaloosa. However, it's advisable to bring your current eyeglasses, contact lenses, and a list of any medications you're taking, as these can all affect your eye health.
Ensure Your Eye Health
Many people don't think about the health of their eyes until a vision issue occurs. However, ocular health encompasses more than just vision. We welcome you to plan comprehensive eye health exams for yourself and your family with the skilled team at inVision Ophthalmology Tuscaloosa. At our office in Tuscaloosa, AL, we use state-of-the-art technologies and techniques to evaluate your eyes so that any concerns can be detected and treated right away.
