To keep your eyes healthy, you need to make sure to prioritize taking care of them. Fortunately, you can do this through regular eye exams at your optometrist.
Your optometrist will take the time to thoroughly examine all the internal mechanisms of your eyes. They’ll monitor any changes and make note of any abnormalities. And if needed, they’ll create a treatment plan to address any potential problems. The entire process normally takes 30-60 minutes, depending on whether or not you need any additional testing.
What to Expect from a Comprehensive Eye Exam at Colorado Springs
When you visit your optometrist for an eye exam, you can expect the entire process to be broken down across 3 key stages: the before, during, and after.
Before the Eye Exam
Before the actual eye exam begins, there are a few steps to complete. Prior to your visit to the clinic, try to gather:
- Your current glasses or contacts (and their prescription if you have it)
- A list of any medications you’re currently taking
- Your medical and family history
- A list of any unusual symptoms or visual abnormalities you’ve recently experienced
This information helps the optometrist tailor the exam to your specific needs. Once you arrive, you’ll spend some time with a receptionist to discuss the plan. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to mention them right away.
During the Eye Exam
The main part of the eye exam begins at this point. Your optometrist is going to carefully work through a series of different tests, each with its own unique purpose.
Your optometrist will start by testing your:
- Visual acuity using an eye chart
- Peripheral vision
- Eye muscle movements
- Pupil response to light
- Eye pressure to screen for glaucoma
- Binocular vision to screen for eye misalignments
Throughout all of these tests, they’ll be switching through a series of different instruments and technical equipment. If you’re curious about anything, feel free to ask about their different purposes. Questions and curiosity are welcome!
After the Eye Exam
Once the exam is over, you’ll discuss the results with your optometrist. If you need glasses or contact lenses, you’ll get an up-to-date prescription. Your optometrist may also recommend some lifestyle changes if needed, and if treatment is necessary, they’ll walk you through the next steps. This entire process, from start to finish, should take between 30 and 60 minutes depending on whether or not you need additional testing.
If your pupils were dilated for parts of the exam, you might experience some light sensitivity for a few hours, but this will pass. If you notice anything unusual or your symptoms don’t recede, contact your optometrist.
Why Are Eye Exams So Important?
During your eye exam, your optometrist isn’t just checking your vision. They’re looking for subtle signs of all kinds of eye conditions that often don’t show themselves otherwise.
Your optometrist is looking for conditions such as:
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Macular degeneration
- Infections like conjunctivitis (pink eye)
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Hypertension-related eye changes
- Retinal damage
- Dry eye syndrome
- Binocular vision dysfunction
Eye exams offer a comprehensive way for your optometrist to gain a full understanding of your eye health. And if they detect any problems, they can intervene long before these issues pose a significant threat. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preserving your vision in the long term.
How Often Should You Have Eye Exams?
Regular eye exams help preserve your vision and overall eye health. If you’re unsure of how often to visit your optometrist, try to follow these guidelines.
- For children aged 19 and younger, 1 eye exam with in depth health assessment should be scheduled annually
- For seniors aged 40 and older, 1 eye exam with in depth health assessment should be scheduled annually
- For people living with diabetes or other long-term eye or medical conditions, 1 eye exam should be scheduled bi-annually
- For adults aged 19 to 40, 1 eye exam should be scheduled annually with in depth health assessment every two years
At the end of an eye exam, your optometrist will likely tell you how often you should see them based on what factors like age, current conditions, and what they noticed during the exam.
If at any point you notice anything unusual—such as significant discomfort, vision distortions, flashing lights, or pain—make a point to visit your optometrist immediately. Any changes in your vision or eyes should be a priority. These can be signs that you’re experiencing an eye emergency. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so don’t put your eyes at risk.
Where to Book Your Next Eye Exam
Eye exams should always be a priority, especially if you’re experiencing a change in your vision. At Eye Care Center of Colorado Springs, we can help. Your eye health is a crucial part of your everyday life, so book your next eye exam with our team today! We’re here to help.
