Regular eye exams are the best way to ensure the health and long-term vision of your eyes. It is important to note that there are many different terms for eye examinations, which are intended to test your eye health, condition and effectiveness. These include, among others:
- Sight tests
- Eye exams
- Routine eye exams
- Comprehensive eye exams
The truth is that many people believe all eye exams to be the same. What is the difference between an eye examination that is routine and one that is comprehensive? Continue reading to learn more.
What is routine eye examination?
Routine eye exams are designed to detect vision impairments such as refractive errors. Around 80% to 90% of all visual impairments are due to refractive errors. Myopia, or short-sightedness, is the most common. Patients can clearly see things close to them, but objects further away will appear blurred. Hyperopia (farsightedness), Astigmatism, and Presbyopia are other refractive errors.
Refractive problems are caused when light does not hit the retinal light-sensitive cells properly. The images sent to the brain are distorted, and it is difficult or impossible to focus. Other symptoms of refractive errors include glare and halos around light sources as well as headaches and eye tension.
A routine exam of the eyes will evaluate your ability to see in different distances. It will also determine if you require refractive error correction devices, such as contact lenses or glasses. If so, your doctor will help you determine your prescription and arrange your corrective glasses. You will be given advice about the best type of frames and lenses for your needs if you choose glasses. If you decide to go with contact lenses, we will advise you on the best lenses for your needs. We will also provide you with a fitting that will make your lenses comfortable and easy to wear.
Most routine eye exams can be performed in under 30 minutes, and it is recommended that patients attend at least twice a year.
What is a complete eye examination?
The comprehensive eye examination is different from the routine eye exam. Your eye doctor will not only check for refractive errors but also screen you for common eye conditions. The exact tests you will receive at your comprehensive exam may vary depending on the provider, but they usually include:
- A visual-acuity examination, which is part of an eye exam.
- Cover test. Your eye doctor will evaluate your eyes independently by covering one eye.
- Test your depth perception with this test
- This test measures the eye movements.
- Your eye doctor can use a slit-lamp exam to examine the shape of your eyeball.
- The dilation of your pupil allows your eye doctor the opportunity to examine your eyes and check for any eye disease.
- Glaucoma screening is a way to check for pressure in the eyes.
Your eye doctor should explain the importance of each test and what you can expect. Attending a comprehensive exam regularly will allow your eye doctor to detect any eye disease that may affect your eyesight and health. There are many eye diseases that can affect your vision and health, including glaucoma. You could prevent eye damage or loss of vision by detecting them early.
Eye doctors usually recommend that patients undergo a thorough eye examination every two years. This frequency can be increased if the patient has a pre-existing condition.
Contact our team of experts in eye care today for more information about a comprehensive or routine eye exam.
