Vision Checks
Vision Checks and Comprehensive Eye Exams
Clear vision is vital to the enjoyment of your life. It connects us with our surroundings. It helps us understand complex concepts and is essential to maintaining mental sharpness. Many eye and vision problems don’t have signs or symptoms. Vision deterioration negatively impacts productivity and quality of life, and ultimately jeopardizes the ability to live independently. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent vision loss.
Periodic eye and vision exams are a key part of preventative health care. Annual vision checks from Coastal Skin and Eye Institute in San Diego can help to preserve your eyesight, with early detection of problems and effective vision correction solutions. Certain job requirements, drugs, or health conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes may increase the need for more frequent exams.
What is the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist?
An optometrist can perform a visual acuity test, called a refraction, to detect vision problems, determine whether you need glasses or contacts and prescribe the right prescription for you. If they suspect an eye disease or health issue, they will refer you to an ophthalmologist. Only an ophthalmologist can conduct a comprehensive eye and vision exam.
What is a comprehensive eye exam?
A comprehensive vision check is an in-depth assessment of your vision and overall eye health. A board-certified ophthalmologist performs this exam. It includes a series of tests to evaluate your vision and the health of your eyes. These tests are used to determine if you need glasses or contact lenses, and to check for common eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration.
Why is a comprehensive eye exam important?
A comprehensive eye exam is important to maintain your overall health. In addition to evaluating the quality of your vision, the eye experts at Coastal Skin and Eye Institute will check for eye diseases and problems that could lead to vision loss or blindness. Some eye problems such as glaucoma and diabetic eye disease are silent, and you may not notice the signs and symptoms until the problem becomes severe. Your trained and experienced ophthalmologist is able to assess the inside and the outside of the eye and detect and treat early to reduce the risk of permanent vision.
What tests are included in a comprehensive eye exam?
A comprehensive eye exam typically includes a series of tests to evaluate your vision and the health of your eyes. During the exam, your doctor will usually measure your visual acuity (ability to see clearly) at various distances, test for correctable vision problems, check the health of your eyes and assess how well you focus and move your eyes. They will also check for signs of eye diseases that can’t be detected through standard tests.
They may also review your medical history and medications, conduct vision tests to check your peripheral vision and color perception, and use special instruments like a slit lamp to look at the structures inside your eyes.
At Coastal Skin and Eye Institute, our team utilizes the latest technologies to provide full vision and medical eye examinations, including with testing for:
- Glaucoma – This is an eye disease caused by high pressure in the eyeball that can damage the optic nerve and cause blindness if not treated.
- Macular Degeneration – This eye disease is age-related and affects the retina, the area where you have the sharpest vision. Untreated it can lead to progressive vision loss. It is the leading cause of vision loss in people over age 50.
- Cataracts – This eye disease is also age-related and causes cloudy lenses in the eye obstructing vision.
- Dry Eye Disease – This eye disease is a common cause of red, burning, stinging, itching eyes, blurry vision and a gritty or foreign body sensation in the eye. It results when the eyes do not produce enough tears to keep the eyes lubricated. It can happen with age and some medical conditions.
Why are my eyes dilated?
Your doctor will decide to dilate your eyes during a comprehensive eye exam based on your health, age, and risk for eye diseases.
How often should I have a comprehensive eye exam?
How often you should have a comprehensive eye exam depends on several factors such as your age, health, and risks of developing eye conditions. Generally, an annual comprehensive eye exam is recommended to help detect potential eye problems at an early stage when they are easier to treat.
Unique philosophy of care
Vision and skin problems are frequently related, especially in the case of chronic dry eye, eyelid disease, and surface cancers. Dermatologists and Ophthalmologists use many similar therapies. The team of highly trained professionals at Coastal Skin and Eye Institute has found that working together produces the best results for the whole patient. Our combined experience brings insight and convenience to the treatment plan.
Coastal Skin & Eye Institute provides comprehensive vision checks for patients in Carmel Valley, Encinitas, and Grossmont. Our thorough eye exams ensure early detection and treatment of vision problems and eye diseases. Rely on our ophthalmology team for regular vision checks and optimal eye health.
