Why a Comprehensive Eye Exam Is So Important
A comprehensive eye exam isn’t just about updating your glasses or contact lens prescription. It’s a complete assessment of your eye health and vision that can uncover early signs of serious conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, and even diabetes or high blood pressure. Many eye diseases have no noticeable symptoms in their early stages, which makes routine exams essential—even if your vision seems fine.
Below, our Pickerington eye care team at Pickerington Eyecare discusses the different tests and technologies we offer to better serve you and protect your overall eye health.
What to Expect During Your Eye Exam
When you arrive at your appointment, your optometrist and staff will guide you through several stages of the exam:
1. Patient History & Symptoms
You’ll be asked about any vision issues, medical history, medications, and family history of eye disease. This information helps your eye doctor tailor the exam to your needs.
2. Visual Acuity Testing
This familiar step uses the eye chart to assess how clearly you can see at various distances. You’ll read letters or symbols from a standardized chart—usually both with and without corrective lenses.
3. Refraction Assessment
If you wear glasses or contacts, the refraction test fine-tunes your prescription. You’ll look through a phoropter while your optometrist asks, “Which is better—one or two?”
4. Eye Focusing and Teaming
Your ability to focus and how well your eyes work together will be tested. Poor eye coordination can lead to headaches, fatigue, or difficulty reading.
5. Eye Health Evaluation
Your optometrist will examine the inside and outside of your eyes using various instruments. This may include:
- Slit Lamp Exam – for inspecting the cornea, lens, and retina.
- Retinal Imaging or Dilation – to get a better view of the back of your eye.
- Tonometry – to measure intraocular pressure (important for detecting glaucoma).
How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam?
- Adults under 40: every 2 years
- Adults over 40: annually
- Children: first exam before age 5, then as advised
- Higher-risk individuals: may need more frequent visits
Noticing changes in vision, frequent headaches, eye strain, or difficulty focusing? These are signs it’s time to schedule an exam—don’t wait for symptoms to worsen.
Does Insurance Cover Eye Exams?
Many vision insurance plans cover routine eye exams once a year. Some medical insurance may also apply if the visit is for a medical eye issue (like an infection or injury). It’s a good idea to call your insurance provider or ask the practice’s staff to verify coverage before your appointment.
Book Your Comprehensive Eye Exam Today
Protecting your vision starts with a single step—booking your exam. Whether it’s your first visit or it’s time for your annual checkup, we’re here to make your experience smooth and stress-free.