Routine eye exams are important for maintaining healthy eyes and good vision. Many disorders of the eye can be diagnosed and treated before they begin to affect the patient. A yearly appointment with an Optometrist in Smyrna, TN is recommended for adults who need corrective lenses. Those who do not require glasses or contacts should still visit an eye doctor at least once every two years.
During a routine exam, your doctor will examine your eyes to make sure they are functioning correctly. This may include tests to determine how well your eyes focus, both independently and together. The optometrist may have you follow a bright light with your eyes. They may also test your field of vision for unusual blind spots. In order to see the health of the optic nerve, many doctors choose to dilate their patient’s pupils with special eye drops. These are painless and wear off after a few hours. During the exam, the optometrist will also measure eye pressure by shooting a puff of air into each eye. Abnormal eye pressure readings are often an early sign of glaucoma.
After all of the eye health exams are complete, your optometrist will test your vision to see if corrective lenses are needed. This simple test is done by reciting the symbols on an eye chart back to your doctor. If necessary, the doctor will place different lenses in front of your eyes to make it easier. Perfect eyesight is known as 20/20 vision. If the optometrist determines that a vision deficit exists, he will write you an original prescription for either glasses or contacts. Most adults over 40 will need corrective lenses to see close up, even if they never had a need for glasses before. Your doctor may also recommend laser eye surgery or other alternatives to correct your vision at this time.
A thorough eye exam usually lasts an hour or less. Remember to see your Optometrist Smyrna, TN every year or two to check the health of your eyes. Appointments should be scheduled sooner if you notice any sudden changes in vision, such as flashing lights or blind spots. You only get to see the world with one set of eyes, so do everything possible to keep them healthy. Contact McCabe Vision Center to know more.
