Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see an optometrist?When should I see an optometrist?
1You should see an optometrist once a year whether or not you believe you need vision correction. An annual eye exam can detect not only eye diseases but also other diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure. Schedule your eye exam today.
What should I bring to my eye exam?What should I bring to my eye exam?
1You should bring your vision insurance and medical insurance information to your eye exam. If you currently wear any prescription lenses, bring your eyeglasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses. You should also bring any and all questions you may have. Contact your optometrist if you have specific questions about any additional items you think you may need to bring to your eye exam.
How do I know if my child needs glasses?How do I know if my child needs glasses?
1Taking your child to an optometrist for an eye exam is the best way to learn if your child needs glasses. Many children who need glasses aren’t aware that they do. Signs of vision problems in children include sitting too close to the television, squinting, sensitivity to light, difficulty with eye-hand coordination, and avoiding visual activities like reading and drawing. To see if your child needs glasses, schedule your child’s eye exam today.
How does my vision change with age?How does my vision change with age?
1Changes in vision that occur with age include reduced pupil size, dry eyes, loss of peripheral vision, decreased color vision, and vitreous detachment. The most common vision problem that comes with age is presbyopia, which is the normal and unavoidable age-related loss of focusing ability. Different types of lenses can provide help for presbyopia. The risk of developing cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy increases with age too. Your optometrist will discuss any age-related vision problems you’re experiencing at your next annual eye exam.
Who can wear contact lenses?Who can wear contact lenses?
1Nearly anyone who needs vision correction can wear contact lenses. Contact lenses can provide vision correction for people with nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or a combination of these issues. Finding the perfect lens for you is sometimes a process of trial and error. All of the lens parameters can be finalized only after you’ve worn the successful combination. Schedule an eye exam to talk with your optometrist about whether contact lenses would be a good vision correction option for you.
What conditions can an optometrist treat?What conditions can an optometrist treat?
1An optometrist can treat vision problems like myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. An optometrist also often treats common eye problems like dry eye syndrome and eye infections. An optometrist can also treat chronic eye diseases such as glaucoma. Optometrists are trained to detect and diagnose all eye problems and eye diseases. Schedule an eye exam today if you are experiencing any problems with your eyes or your vision.
What is involved in an eye exam?What is involved in an eye exam?
1An eye exam involves a series of simple but comprehensive tests that allow your optometrist to assess your vision and your eye health. Your optometrist will discuss the results of your eye exam with you and determine the right prescription to help you to see your best.
Why should I get an eye exam?Why should I get an eye exam?
1An annual eye exam involves more than just updating your glasses or contact prescription. A comprehensive eye exam can also detect eye health issues as well as general health problems. Conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure can be detected in early stages through an eye exam, and this can result in early treatment. Schedule your annual eye exam today.
What is a refraction test?What is a refraction test?
1Your optometrist uses a refraction test to determine your exact eyeglasses prescription. Through showing you a series of lens choices through a device called a phoropter, your optometrist determines the amount of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and/or astigmatism that you have and the lenses needed to correct these vision problems.
How does an optometrist test my eyes?How does an optometrist test my eyes?
1An optometrist uses several tests and tools to evaluate your eye health and your vision. Your eye exam usually will include a glaucoma test, a retinal screening, a visual field screening, an extraocular muscle test, and a refraction test. The results of these screenings and tests help your optometrist evaluate your vision and overall eye health.