Everything You Need to Know About a Routine Eye Exam

Your eyes are your windows to the world, and taking care of them is crucial for maintaining your overall well-being. One essential part of eye care is the routine eye exam.

At Ophthalmology Associates of Bay Ridge in Brooklyn, New York, our highly experienced team of experts is here to walk you through everything you need to know about these exams, from why you should get them routinely to what to expect during the process. 

The importance of routine eye exams 

Understanding the significance of routine eye exams is the first step in ensuring your vision remains clear and your health is monitored effectively. Here’s what you need to know: 

Detecting eye diseases early 

Routine eye exams can detect eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration in their early stages. Early detection is key to effective treatment and preserving your vision.

Monitoring overall health

The condition of your eyes can offer valuable clues about your general well-being. Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and autoimmune diseases often show early signs in the eyes, which our highly experienced team can spot during an eye exam.

Updating your prescription 

If you support your eyesight by wearing glasses or contact lenses, regular eye exams ensure that your prescription stays up to date. This helps maintain optimal vision clarity and comfort.

Preventing eye strain 

Whether you spend hours on digital devices or perform detailed tasks, an eye exam can help identify vision problems that may lead to eye strain, headaches, and discomfort.

What to expect during a routine eye exam 

Now that you appreciate the importance of routine eye exams, let's explore what you can expect when you visit us for this essential checkup. Understanding the process can help you feel more at ease during your examination.

Pre-exam preparation 

During your eye exam, our team initiates the process by reviewing your medical history, which encompasses any pre-existing eye conditions and overall health concerns. Additionally, it's advisable to have a list of your current medications on hand, as certain medications may have implications for your eyesight, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health.

Visual acuity test 

The classic eye chart test measures how well you can see at various distances. You'll read letters or symbols from a chart, with one eye covered at a time.

Refraction assessment

If you wear corrective lenses, we use a phoropter to determine your prescription. We’ll ask you to compare lens options to find the one that provides the clearest vision.

Eye health evaluation 

Our team uses various tools and techniques to assess the health of your eyes. This may include checking for signs of diseases, examining the retina, and measuring intraocular pressure.

Additional tests

Depending on your specific needs, we may perform additional tests, such as a visual field test, color vision test, or a slit-lamp examination to evaluate the structures of your eye in detail.

How often should you get a routine eye exam? 

The frequency of your eye exams depends on your age, risk factors, and any existing eye conditions. Here are some general guidelines:

Children 

Pediatric eye exams are essential to detect vision problems early. The American Optometric Association recommends the first eye exam at 6 months, another at age 3, and then before starting school. Afterward, annual exams are typically advised.

Adults 

If you're between 18 and 60 with no vision problems, a comprehensive eye exam every two years is usually sufficient. However, if you wear glasses or contacts, have a family history of eye diseases, or have health conditions that can affect your eyes, yearly exams are advisable.

Seniors 

Once you reach 61 and beyond, it's best to have an annual eye exam to monitor age-related changes and conditions that become more common as you get older.

Remember, these are general guidelines, and our team of experts may recommend a different schedule based on your unique circumstances.

Overall, routine eye exams are a vital component of maintaining good eye health and general well-being. They offer early detection of eye diseases, ensure your prescription is accurate, and help prevent eye strain. By understanding the importance of these exams and knowing what to expect, you can take proactive steps to care for your precious eyes and enjoy a lifetime of clear vision.

If you’re ready to learn more about routine eye exams and book yours, contact us or use our online scheduling tool today!