A comprehensive eye exam is a thorough examination of your eyes, their health, and how well you see. One of the most significant benefits of an eye exam is the potential for detecting vision-affecting diseases or conditions.
Diseases that your eye doctor can detect in an eye exam include:
- Refractive errors
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Macular degeneration and others
Regular, scheduled eye exams are vital for maintaining optimal vision and for the early detection of potential health-related problems. If you’re unsure how often to book the exam, ask your eye doctor. They can provide tailored advice based on age, health, and other contributing factors.
Diseases that Can Be Caught During an Eye Exam
Your eye doctor is a qualified eyecare professional trained to detect many conditions or problems with your eyes and vision. Once diagnosed, your optometrist can either provide tailored treatment and advice or, in some cases, may refer you to another specialist, such as an ophthalmologist.
Refractive Errors
While not technically a disease, refractive errors are a common vision problem that stems from an abnormally shaped eye. How the eye develops determines the type of refractive error and how it affects your vision.
The results of refractive errors are typically blurred vision and difficulty in seeing objects clearly at different distances. An eye exam can spot refractive errors like myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. Your eye doctor can prescribe glasses or contacts to correct refractive errors. Laser eye surgery may also be an option for adults.
Cataracts
Cataracts are a common age-related condition where the lens of your eye turns cloudy, resulting in blurred or misty vision. An eye exam can identify the early signs of cataracts and track their progression. This tracking allows your eye doctor to offer tailored solutions, whether changing your glasses prescription or suggesting cataract surgery to replace the cloudy lens once it affects your daily life.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a set of eye diseases that can harm the optic nerve and result in vision loss if not treated promptly. High eye pressure within your eye is typically a telltale sign, and an eye exam can gauge your eye’s internal pressure. During glaucoma testing, your eye doctor can also assess your optic nerve’s health to spot early signs of glaucoma because it often begins developing with little to no symptoms until substantial damage has been done.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy can be a side effect of diabetes that impacts the blood vessels in the retina. In a diabetic eye exam, your optometrist can look for alterations in the blood vessels, unusual growth of new blood vessels, or swelling in the macula (the central part of the retina). Early diagnosis and effective management of diabetic retinopathy can help prevent permanent vision loss.
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is an aging-related eye disease that affects your eye’s macula—the part of your eye responsible for central vision. This change in your macula leads to blurry or warped vision. An eye exam can identify initial signs of macular degeneration and observe its progression, which allows timely treatment options such as injections or laser therapy.
Importance of Regular Eye Exams
Routine eye exams are crucial for maintaining excellent eye health and detecting potential issues early. These exams assist in diagnosing problems like glaucoma, cataracts, and other eye disorders before they turn critical.
What to Expect During an Eye Exam
Your optometrist typically conducts several tests during an eye exam to evaluate your eyes’ health and functionality. These might include:
- Visual acuity test: This test assesses how well you see at various distances—you probably remember the chart with the different sizes of letters from your last visit
- Refraction test: A refraction test determines the presence of a refractive error and the suitable prescription for corrective lenses
- Eye movement test: Checks the coordination of your eyes and their ability to follow moving objects—this can be an especially important test for a child’s developing eyes
- Slit lamp exam: During a slit lamp exam, your eye doctor uses a special microscope to inspect your eye’s internal structures, including the cornea, iris, and lens
- Retinal exam: A retinal exam enables your optometrist to examine the back of your eye using specialized tools and lights—this is an important test for someone with diabetes
- Glaucoma test: During glaucoma testing, your eye doctor gauges the pressure inside your eye and assesses your optic nerve’s health
Book Your Next Eye Exam with Us Today
At Calgary Family Eye Doctors, our expert eye doctors are committed to delivering comprehensive eye exams and exceptional care for all our patients. We recognize that eye health maintenance is a continuous process and are committed to being your reliable partner in ensuring vision care. Book your next eye exam with us today and keep up on your eye and vision health to preserve this precious resource—your eyesight.
