Visiting the eye doctor doesn’t have to be scary–Dr. Christine Best does her “best” to ensure that every patient of hers feels welcome, comfortable, and cared for. Along with her staff, she gets a lot of questions about the eye exam–what to expect, when to go, and so on.
We invite you to keep reading to learn our answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about eye exams, and how to schedule one today with our optometrist.
Eye Exams
As a general rule, we recommend that everyone sees their eye doctor at least once per year for an eye exam. We may recommend a different frequency, however, depending on several factors including your age, overall health status, whether or not you have a known eye condition, your lifestyle, and so on.
What is my eye doctor looking for an eye exam?
During an eye exam, our optometrist will utilize various optometry equipment, tests, and procedures to get a clear picture of your overall eye health. First, Dr. Best will perform a thorough examination of the outer and inner surface of your eye. She’ll also ask you about your current health history, including if you have any noticeable issues with your eyes, such as blurry vision, itchiness, etc.
Your family history is important, too. Dr. Best will ask about whether anyone in your family has had a diagnosis of eye-related health conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration.
Depending on your specific needs, she may also check the inner eye pressure and certain other factors. The rest of the eye exam will focus on assessing how well you see (otherwise known as visual acuity) and whether your eyes work together properly (which is required for depth perception, visual tracking, and so on).
Based on what she finds on her examination, Dr. Best will let you know about the state of your vision and eye health. If further testing or screening is indicated, she’ll let you know about it.
Does an Eye Exam Hurt?
No. Some patients might note a bit of discomfort during an eye exam, such as when they’re asked to look into a bright light or when their inner eye pressure is measured (done by directing a bright light or when the dilation drops are administered). Our office makes the exam experience even more enjoyable by not doing the dreaded “air puff” test. We use more pleasant means to asses your ocular pressures. Overall, however, eye exams are painless, safe, and relatively quick.
What is a dilated eye exam?
For most people, dilation of the eyes during an exam is recommended, since it gives Dr. Best a better ability to see inside your eyes and evaluate the health and integrity of important structures within, including the light-sensitive retinas.
Can I drive myself to my appointment?
Because the effects of the eye dilation take time to wear off, it’s normal for your vision to be blurry for a few hours after your appointment. For this reason, we recommend that every patient gets a ride to their eye exam. Come with a friend or family member, get an Uber or taxi, or simply take public transportation…whatever is the most convenient for you that will also help keep you and others safe on the road!
Call Our Optometry Team Today!
Call Best Eyecare Associates today at (303) 254-4888 to schedule an eye exam for every member of your household! We look forward to meeting with you!