Most people visit an eye doctor thinking they need glasses or contact lenses. Yet, a comprehensive eye exam does far more than check your vision. It serves as a crucial preventive health evaluation.

An eye doctor assesses the condition and function of your eyes. During an eye exam, doctors check for signs of eye problems that could lead to vision loss. If they catch these issues early, they can start treatment right away to control or manage many serious eye conditions.

What Is Checked During an Eye Exam?

It usually includes:
 

• Visual Acuity Testing

An eye chart tests how well you can see letters or numbers at different distances. This helps doctors figure out if you have nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.
 

• Eye Focusing & Movement

The eye doctor observes how your eyes focus, move, and work together as a team. Poor coordination could indicate issues like amblyopia or strabismus.
 

• Eye Pressure Measurement

A tonometry test checks for elevated intraocular pressure — a key risk factor for glaucoma. Catching rising pressure early is vital.
 

• Slit Lamp Examination

A specialized microscope zooms in on the eye, shining a bright light to help doctors take a close look. This lets them examine the eye in detail, making it easier to spot any problems or diseases.
 

• Dilated Eye Exam

Eye drops that widen the pupil give doctors a clearer, more complete view of the eye. This includes the retina, the jelly-like vitreous, the blood vessels, and the optic nerve.
 

The doctor will take a comprehensive health and family history. You will also discuss any eye symptoms you experience. Testing varies based on age and risk factors but typically takes 60-90 minutes per visit.

Why Are Regular Eye Exams So Important?

Many eye diseases develop slowly without obvious early symptoms. Many people fail to notice progressing vision changes over time. By the time problems become noticeable, irreversible vision loss may already occur. Specific reasons for routine exams include:

Early Detection of Eye Diseases

Comprehensive exams allow diagnosis of eye diseases in their earliest, most treatable stages. These include cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and other eye diseases.
 

Monitoring Eye Health and Function

Vision changes with age. Exams ensure your eyes keep focusing, moving, and working well as you age. Adjustments or treatments prevent unnecessary vision loss.

Managing Chronic Conditions

Are you managing diabetes, hypertension, autoimmune disorders, or other diseases affecting the eyes? If so, routine exams track progression and enable timely care adjustments.

Preserving Healthy Vision

Detecting issues early allows effective prevention. It also minimizes the lasting effects of conditions like amblyopia, retinopathy, or neurological problems.

When to Start Getting Eye Exams

The AAO and AOA provide the following guidelines for comprehensive eye exam frequency:
 

• Newborns: Eye exams after birth to check for congenital conditions.
• Children (ages 3-5): Annual exams to detect and manage vision issues and ensure proper eye development.
• Adults (20-39): Exams every 2-3 years if low-risk, annually if family history/existing conditions.
• Ages 40-54: Annual exams to catch early signs of age-related changes like presbyopia and cataracts.
• Ages 55-64: Annual exams due to higher risk for glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts.
• Ages 65+: Annual exams crucial to detect worsening cataracts, glaucoma, dry eye, and vision changes from health/meds.

Scheduling regular comprehensive eye exams may seem inconvenient now. Yet, they provide invaluable preventive diagnostic information. Early intervention through eye exams protects precious eyesight over a lifetime.

For more on eye exams, visit Alamo Eye Care at our San Antonio or Austin, Texas, offices. Call (210) 403-9050 to schedule an appointment today.