Why are Eye Exams Important?

Most people know that visiting a doctor regularly is important to identify health problems and take proactive measures to prevent illnesses. Sometimes eye health is overlooked – especially if there are no outward signs of vision problems. Regular eye exams are just as important as check-ups with your primary care physician. Some eye diseases do not have any symptoms in the early stages. The earlier these can be diagnosed and treated, the better chance you will have at protecting your vision.

At Atwal Eye Care, we provide comprehensive eye exams to look for any signs of problems such as:

• Refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism)
• Glaucoma
• Retinal damage (macular degeneration, retinal detachment, etc.)
• Diabetic eye disease (diabetic retinopathy)
• Corneal problems (keratoconus, dry eye, etc.)
• Visual acuity challenges
• Pediatric eye problems (strabismus, amblyopia, etc.)
• Eye misalignment
• And much more

Common Eye Exam Tests

• Current refractive error measurement using retinoscopy
• Eye pressure measurement to identify glaucoma
• Eye health using a silt-lamp
• Visual acuity to measure the definition of your vision
• Blind spot detection using a visual field test
• Eye misalignment using cover tests
• Eye disease identification through pupil dilation

How Often Should You Have an Eye Exam?

There is no singular answer to this question. In general, if you are an adult and you are generally healthy, an eye exam every 1-2 years may be sufficient. However, if you fall into any of these categories, you may need to have an eye exam more frequently to monitor your condition: 

• Diabetic
• Currently have an eye disease
• Family history of eye disease
• Undergone eye procedures in the past

Another Benefit: Protect Your Overall Health

Your eye doctor can also identify underlying health problems just by looking at your eye health. In some cases, conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer and other medical conditions can be identified during regular eye exams.

How to Prepare for an Eye Exam 

We want to make your eye exam as comfortable, efficient and beneficial as possible. We’ll take time to not only assess your eye health but also ask you questions about any vision challenges you may be facing. Before your appointment, take time to think about your eyesight problems, gather information to share with your doctor and prepare a list of questions to ask.  

We have prepared some checklists that will help you prepare for your eye exam. 

What to Bring to Your Appointment 

• Your prescription glasses and/or contact lenses
• Insurance information, including your insurance card (make sure you know what is covered under your plan)
• Identification card such as your driver’s license
• Name, phone number and address of your primary care doctor
• Someone to drive you home (your eyes may be dilated during the appointment)
• New patient forms (these can be downloaded and filled out prior to your appointment)
• Cash, checkbook or credit card to pay for any out-of-pocket expenses, if necessary

Eyesight Problems

Make a list of vision problems you are experiencing and bring this list to your exam: 

• Blurry vision
• Cloudy vision
• Floaters or flashes of light
• Poor night vision
• Double vision
• Red and green color confusion
• Vision loss 
• Dark spot in vision 
• Itchy, watery, irritated eyes

Some vision conditions do not have symptoms in the early stages. Regular eye exams can detect these conditions early so treatment can be started quickly. 

Information to Share with Your Doctor

• Current prescription for glasses, contacts or sunglasses 
• All medications and supplements you are currently taking – prescription and non-prescription
• Family history of eye diseases 
• Past or current health issues, injuries, illnesses, operations, etc.
• Physical health problems you may be experiencing 

Your eye doctor can also identify underlying health problems just by looking at your eye health. In some cases, conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer and other medical conditions can be identified during regular eye exams.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

• Why has my vision changed? 
• What treatment options or lifestyle changes can improve my vision? 
• Will I need to see a specialist for treatments? 
• How can I avoid getting an eye infection if I wear contact lenses?
• How can I protect my eyes when playing sports? 
• As I grow older, what vision changes should I expect? 
• How often should I have eye exams?  

Don’t wait to schedule an eye exam until you or your loved one is experiencing vision difficulties. Contact us today at 716-896-8831 to schedule an eye exam in Buffalo, NY.