Eye Exams

An eye examination is a medical exam to determine the current health of your eyes and screen for disease, as well as determine the need for glasses or a change in glasses and/or contact lens.

You can expect to spend an hour in our office for your exam. During that time...

1. A qualified technician will begin your exam by taking your medical history, including a list of medications, before gathering data on your eyes.
2. Your vision test will include refraction. Refraction is the test that determines if you need glasses or a change in your glasses. You will be shown different lenses and asked, “Which looks better, number one or number two?”
3. Next, the technician will put drops in your eyes to check the pressure and to dilate the eyes. The dilation time varies, but it can take up to 30 minutes. Dilation is the standard of care because it enlarges the pupils of the eye, allowing a complete, three-dimensional examination.
4. The doctor can then perform the medical exam and discuss the findings with you.

Occasionally other tests are needed, depending on the findings of the exam. If needed, these tests are almost always covered by insurance. Some diseases can be detected only with a dilated exam, and early screening and treatment can potentially prevent vision loss. The effects of dilation (light sensitivity and blurred vision) last for several hours, so plan to bring a driver if it is going to be the first time that your eyes have been dilated.