Eye Exams
Regular eye exams serve two functions: to diagnose visual problems (also called refractive errors) and to identify, treat and monitor eye conditions (and diseases). Refractive errors include myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism and/or presbyopia that can be corrected with eyeglasses, contacts or vision correction surgery (LASIK). A comprehensive eye exam will likely include: a review of your personal/eye history; evaluation of your eyesight using an eye chart; evaluation of your eyes’ ability to work together; examination of the interior of your eye, and an eye pressure test.
An eye exam should occur every year for adults. Eye exams are critical because many vision threatening eye diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, or diabetic retinopathy can be detected. Our eyes have been called "the window to our soul." They also are often a very effective window to our overall health.
For children birth to 24 months, the exam should occur at six months of age and again at age 2. From 3 to 18, a child should have an exam before kindergarten and every year thereafter. An annual eye exam is the only way to ensure your child is seeing clearly and comfortably to succeed in the classroom. It is also the only way to know for sure if kids are seeing their best for sports and other activities.