Eye Exams

How Often Should I Have An Eye Exam?

Infants / Children

Assessment between six and 12 months. Children should have a minimum one eye examination by the age of three and every year after that (more often if advised by Optometrist).

Adults

Every two years, especially after the age of 40. Age increases the risk of many eye diseases.

Seniors

Over the age of 64, an annual eye exam is recommended.

Comprehensive Eye Exam Steps

A standard comprehensive eye exam will take about 30 to 45 minutes. You can expect to undergo a series of tests performed by our Optometric assistants. We will also take a thorough case history to determine factors like hereditary eye diseases, eye injuries, diabetes and various medications that may influence your eye examination.

The results of the tests will provide important information for our doctors to determine the overall health of your eyes. The Optometrists will also take the power measurement of your eyes to determine if you require eyeglasses. In addition, the doctors will check how well your eyes work together as a team.

If your eyes need to be examined for cataracts and other diseases, the doctors will apply dilation drops which take 15 minutes to take effect. The procedure does not hurt but your vision will become blurry. Your eyes will also be sensitive to light for a couple of hours after the procedure – a pair of sunglasses or a disposable shade provided by our office to go over your distance glasses will help.

Adult Eye Exams

During your eye exam the Optometrist is evaluating your eyes for visual correction (if you need eyeglasses or contact lenses) and checking for overall health and function of your eye.

Some eye diseases have little or slow progressive symptoms only detected if you have a comprehensive eye exam. It is important to catch eye diseases early as some of them, like Glaucoma, are not reversible but they can be prevented and managed.

Components of comprehensive eye exam evaluation:

  • Patient’s visual concerns/complaints
  • Ocular health history
  • General medical health history
  • Visual acuity measurement
  • Refractive error assessment: the need for prescription to be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses or surgery
  • Ocular health assessment
  • Treatment recommendations

Infant & Children's Eye Exams

Many eye problems arise from conditions that can be identified by an eye doctor in an infant’s first year of life. Be alert for symptoms that may indicate your child has a visual problem:

  • Red, itchy or watering eyes
  • Sensitivity to light
  • An eye that consistently turns in or out
  • Squinting, rubbing the eyes, or excessive blinking
  • A lack of concentration
  • Covering or closing one eye
  • Irritability or short attention span
  • Holding objects too close
  • Avoiding books and television
  • Visible frustration or grimacing
  • Headaches or irritability
  • Rubbing of the eyes
  • Tilting of the head or unusual posture
  • Losing place while reading
  • Omitting or confusing words when reading
  • Performing below their potential