Regular Eye Exams Let Us Detect Issues Early On and Track Changes in Your Vision

What is involved in an eye exam?

by Jason H. Nakagawa, OD

First, you'll need to provide a medical history and you'll also be asked about any symptoms you're experiencing. The eye exam itself includes multiple evaluations, including:

• eye muscle movement testing to determine how well your eyes track a moving object
• cover test to evaluate how well the eyes work together
• visual acuity test, or eye chart test
• slit-lamp exam to evaluate the front portion of your eye
• dilated exam to evaluate the retina and optic nerve at the back of your eye
• glaucoma testing
• visual field test to examine your peripheral vision
• retinoscopy and refraction testing to determine if you need prescription lenses

Why are regular eye exams important?

Having your eyes examined on a regular basis is important because many eye diseases and conditions cause few or no symptoms in their earliest stages, and the only way to know your vision is at risk is with a complete and comprehensive eye exam. Conditions like diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts and even tumors can remain asymptomatic and undetected until permanent vision loss has already occurred. Plus, eye exams can look for vision changes that could require eye glasses to correct and to prevent side effects like eye strain and headaches. Regular exams are especially important if there is a history of eye disease or vision problems in your family.

How often should I see an ophthalmologist?

In general, children should have their vision checked at six months of age, three years of age and before first grade, and any time symptoms occur which could indicate a vision problem. Adults should have a complete eye exam at least every two years up to age 60 and every year after that. Depending on your eye health and your family history, you may need to have more frequent checkups.

Schedule Eye Exams for Your Whole Family 

Regular eye exams should be a part of your preventive health plan for the entire family. To schedule your eye exam, call us at (310) 340-6925 or make an appointment online and our practice will get back to you shortly.