Comprehensive Eye Exam

Why a Comprehensive Eye Exam Matters

If you’ve had a vision screening recently, you might think, “My vision is fine! I don’t need a comprehensive eye exam.”

But a vision screening only provides a limited snapshot of your eye health. It’s like checking your blood pressure without getting a full physical—helpful, but not the whole picture.

The Limitations of a Vision Screening

A vision screening primarily tests how well you see at a distance, also known as visual acuity. But clear distance vision is just one aspect of healthy eyesight. Other essential factors include color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and how well your eyes focus up close or work together. Most importantly, a vision screening does not assess the health of your eyes.

Who Conducts Vision Screenings?

Vision screenings are often performed at schools, health fairs, workplaces, or for driver’s licenses. Even if conducted by a physician, they are generalists with limited eye health training. Most screenings are done by individuals without the specialized knowledge or tools needed for a full evaluation of your vision and eye health.

Limited Testing Equipment

Many vision screenings involve little more than reading an eye chart across a room. Even when done in a physician’s office, the equipment used is not as advanced as what you’ll find at an eye doctor’s office. Factors like room lighting and testing distances—which can affect results—are not always properly controlled.

The Benefits of a Comprehensive Eye Exam

A comprehensive eye exam evaluates both your vision and your eye health in detail. Your eye doctor will assess the external and internal structures of your eyes, check for signs of disease, and test your vision in various ways.

What’s Included in a Comprehensive Eye Exam?

• External Exam – Evaluates the whites of your eyes, iris, pupils, eyelids, and eyelashes.

• Internal Exam – Assesses the retina and optic nerve by dilating your eyes with drops or by using wide field photo technology.

• Visual Function & Eye Health – Tests depth perception, color vision, peripheral vision, and pupil response, as well as eye focusing, teaming, and movement abilities.

• Glaucoma Testing – Measures internal eye pressure to check for glaucoma risk.

• Visual Acuity – Determines if glasses or contact lenses can improve your vision.
  
  

Eye Health & Your Overall Well-Being

Your eye health is closely connected to your overall health. That’s why your eye doctor will ask about your medical history, medications, family history of eye conditions, and any risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, or sun exposure. These details help ensure a thorough assessment of your eye health.

How Often Should You Have an Eye Exam?

The American Optometric Association recommends a comprehensive eye exam every two years for adults aged 18–60 with no vision problems. After age 61, annual exams are recommended or as advised by your eye doctor. Even if you feel your vision is fine, regular eye exams can catch issues early—often before you notice any symptoms. Schedule your comprehensive eye exam today and protect your vision for the future.