Eye Exams and Other Services

Eye Exams

An eye exam is important because the eye is one of the body’s most complex organs. It requires the skills of a highly trained eye care specialist for a thorough examination. Many visual disorders and eye diseases lack symptoms in the early stages, thus regular eye exams are important. We look for early stages and signs of Glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, and many other eye diseases. The appropriate frequency of eye examination varies from one individual to the next, based on current vision, age, family history, general health, and eye health.

As we age, our eye health is even more critical. Aging can bring about various eye-related concerns like presbyopia, cataracts, and an increased risk of conditions like glaucoma. Seniors can maintain good eye health by scheduling regular eye exams, adopting a diet rich in antioxidants, and wearing appropriate eyes. Early detection and treatment of eye conditions can significantly improve outcomes.

At Relf EyeCare Specialists, a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant will initiate your examination, performing many of the entrance tests for the doctors. A comprehensive eye exam includes “refraction”, which determines your current eyeglass prescription. Drops will be instilled to allow measurement of your intraocular pressure. Your eyes will also be dilated, which can cause difficulty with reading and sometimes driving for three hours or more.

After your eyes are dilated (this takes 20 to 30 minutes), one of our doctors will examine the structures around and inside your eyes. Your doctor will then report on the health of your eyes, comment on any findings relevant to your general health, and recommend a course of action best suited to your individual needs. We firmly believe that every patient deserves a “game plan”, which should be understood by all parties involved. We are happy to communicate our findings to your primary care provider.

You should set aside 60 to 90 minutes for your initial eye exam to ensure you have enough time, as you may need to select eyeglasses, sunglasses or try contact lenses after the exam with the doctor.

Follow-up visits for various eye conditions generally require less time, although additional testing is often required during these visits. We try to let you know how much time follow-up exams might take so that you can plan accordingly.

Schedule an Eye Appointment

Importance of Eye Health

Eye health is crucial for overall well-being. Our eyes are a complex organ that plays a vital role in our daily lives, allowing us to see the world around us, interact with others, and learn and grow. Neglecting eye health can have profound consequences, including vision loss, diminished quality of life, and increased risk of other health problems.

Lifestyle choices can significantly impact eye health. A balanced diet rich in nutrients like vitamin A, C, and E can support ocular health and help prevent conditions like macular degeneration.

On the other hand, smoking increases the risk of developing cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Additionally, excessive screen time, particularly without regular breaks, can lead to digital eye strain, affecting both children and adults. Therefore, making informed choices in our daily lives can safeguard our eye health and contribute to our overall well-being.

Eye Exam FAQ’s