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Eye Exams

A woman getting an eye exam from a doctor

Why are eye exams important?

Periodic comprehensive eye examinations are an important part of your overall health checkups.  Some diseases such as glaucoma and macular degeneration can be detected early and treated. Many times patients have these diseases with no symptoms.  Left untreated, they can cause vision loss.

Eye examinations also help ensure you are seeing your best at all times. Going several years without an eye exam likely means you are wearing the wrong glasses/contact lens prescription. In order to keep your eyes and vision as healthy as possible, eye exams are essential.

Some researchers believe that 75% of the population over age 65 experiences dry eye symptoms. If you suspect that you have dry eyes, you should make an appointment to visit Tyson Eye. We will ask you a number of questions about your symptoms and health history and perform one or more diagnostic tests to determine if you have dry eye syndrome.

How often should you get eye exams?

Patients with a family history of these diseases, and also those over 65, should have a comprehensive eye exam at least every year.  Others with no history of these diseases should have a comprehensive eye exam every two years.

If you have a family history of glaucoma, cataracts, retinal disorders, diabetes or if you have had any previous eye injuries, you will come back for a yearly eye examination. Even people who have had no previous issues with their eyes are susceptible to eye disease.

Senior patient checking vision with special eye equipment

What happens during an eye exam?

Eye examinations are quick and painless while still being extremely thorough. During your eye examination, the inner and outer structures of your eyes are checked for signs of disease, your vision is also tested to see if you need an updated prescription.

Your visual acuity will be tested. Your visual acuity determines how clearly you see. Your doctor will use a Snellen chart (the alphabet printed on a chart at varying sizes) and ask you to read the chart. Each eye will be tested separately.

Other vision tests include a refraction assessment, visual field test and color vision testing.

Glaucoma screening will be performed. This gives your doctor a good idea of whether or not you are at risk for glaucoma by measuring the pressure inside of the eye.

During your exam, your eyes will be dilated to enable the physician to better see the retina at the back of your eye.  Since your vision will remain blurry for a few hours, you should have a driver accompany you to this office visit.

Being proactive about your eye health can save you a lot of frustration. If you would like to book an eye examination with our eye care experts at Tyson Eye, contact us at 239-542-2020 or schedule an appointment!

Farsightedness

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Monovision

Presbyopia

Astigmatism

Pink Eye

Blepharitis