Routine Eye Care

What Is Routine Optical Care?

A routine vision exam is a periodic assessment by an optometrist to check overall eye health, in the absence of signs of trauma, injury, or complication. This includes checking visual acuity and other aspects of ocular health. If an individual wears corrective lenses, the evaluation will show if changes in eyesight require updating.

A regular exam is less extensive than a comprehensive one, unless the person has previously identified conditions, in which case the former will feature more tests. Routine testing is critical for preventing ocular disease and detecting early signs of conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, ulcers, infections, macular degeneration, and many others disorders. Frequency is usually determined based upon individual age, health, and family history. Speak with your optometrist to determine what is best for you.

Standard Tests and Equipment

A simple exam should average 30 minutes or less. Depending upon the findings, it can be upgraded to a medical exam if a more serious complication is detected. Standard tests include the following aspects of vision:
Binocular: Assesses how well the eyes work in unison. In the cover test, each eye is covered while focusing on an object.
Evaluating the ocular structure: the optometrist will assess the health of the health through a visual inspection, which will include shining a retinoscope on the pupil to assess the response to light. Tear drops are administered to enlarge the pupils which allows a complete evaluation of the eye. The fundoscopy is a magnifying instrument that enables a thorough inspection of the eye, including the critical retina section at the back of the eye.
Refraction: The phoropter tool identifies prescriptions based upon measurements of refractive error. Refraction accounts for several types of vision deficits such as myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness).
Visual acuity: The Snellen Chart is a standard tool for checking acuity. you will recognize this well known chart by the large E at the top.
Alignment: The doctor will see how well you can track an object as it moves across your visual field.
Depending on age and medical history, testing for glaucoma may become part of routine evaluations. It is an easy way to prevent the onset of this debilitating condition, by assessing ocular pressure. Doctors warn that people with diabetes have a higher risk for glaucoma as do those with high blood pressure, heavy drinkers and smokers, and certain ethnic groups.

Many experts recommend that children have an eye assessment before starting grade school, followed by annual testing. Healthy adults usually receive more comprehensive tests following age 40, provided there isn't an underlying condition or medical history.

Treatment

Standards types of treatments resulting from testing may include the following:
Writing a prescription for glasses or contact lenses.
Correcting a previous prescription when visual changes are noted.
Scheduling a more comprehensive exam
Prescribing medicated drops, steroids, anti-inflammatory medications or therapy following the detection of a medical conditions.
Follow-up with a specialist
Surgery or procedures for conditions such as cataracts, retinal detachment, etc. Note: Other than performing surgery, optometrists can perform most functions of an ophthalmologist.
Prescribing or recommending vision therapy or related services if any signs of visual-motor or cognitive deficits are observed.

Prevention of Complications

There are several steps to maintain eyesight and ocular health.
Scheduling routine AND comprehensive appointments as recommended by an optometrist.
Diet, Lifestyle, and Exercise: Eating healthily, engaging in physical activity, and refraining from smoking or copious consumption of alcohol. All are crucial for preventing ocular conditions; partcarly in those with a high susceptibility for developing such disorders.
Wear protective glasses if you engage in activities where there is a risk of sustaining a traumatic injury.
Don't touch or play with your eyes. Wash your hands carefully if you must touch the orbital region. Practice hygienic recommendations when using contact lenses.
Monitoring and following up if any signs of trauma, infection, allergy or condition are detected including:
Redness
Swelling
Irritation
Pain/discomfort
Blurred, double, or loss of vision
Always inform the optometrist of any ocular issues you may be experiencing, particularly those resulting following an injury to the head. Such head injuries, as well as serious symptoms that continue to persist may require emergency medical intervention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. It's always a good idea to bring your current prescription glasses to the appointment. Assessments for refraction may indicate a need for changes to your prescriptions.
Yes. Exams are essential for maintaining eyesight and preventing and detecting complications. Additionally, many conditions are hard to detect, and they take time to fully manifest. They are excellent tools to prevent future problems. Eye health is more than just how well you see.
Insurance providers are best equipped to answer specific questions regarding your policy.
Dr. McBryar cartoon

Routine Testing

Standard eye exams are important for maintaining vision and ocular health. An optometrist will determine how often you should undergo such tests based upon your profile. The best way to treat ocular diseases and complications is to prevent them in the first place. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a routine eye exam.

Testimonials


Vision therapy is well worth the response, time and effort. Our Son had a hard time focusing and writing neatly. After vision therapy Seth could complete a task in half the time if previously took. His abilities to focus improved greatly and so did his handwriting.

Also, he was better at listening. As a parent, we wanted learning to be fun for our Son, and vision therapy made this possible.


Amanda T.

Vision Therapy is well worth the expense, time and effort. Our son had a hard time focusing handwriting neatly. After vision therapy Seth could complete a task in half the time it previously took his abilities to focus and improved greatly and so did his handwriting.

Also, he was better at listening. As a parent you wanted learning to be fun for our son and vision therapy made this possible.


Alexa H.

Vision Therapy has given or son the tools he needs to be able to scan and read the written word more effectively and efficiently.

He love working with John and these working sessions give him the motivation to gladly work on his homework assignments.

It amazed us to see the difference in the tracking of his eyes and along a line of it's from the beginning to the end of the treatment.

Dr. McBryar , Kristen and John  are all marvelous and we would recommend them to anyone I only wish that we would have found them sooner!


Charlotte M.

Prior to coming to the institute for vision development my son complained of daily headaches. Therapy has eliminated his headaches completely. I love knowing my son is able to learn pain-free for the rest of his life because of the work that has been done over just a few weeks in this office. He he absolutely loved coming that didn't even feel like going to a doctor or therapy. We are grateful for the relief he was able to find by coming here.

Thank you!


Olivia C.

Seems much less frustrated with life

Reads non-stop and fast

Spelling abilities have been hugely improved

Seems much more confident

Thank You!!!


Kelly O.

When we first came to the practice, my son did not have huge issues, but lots of small ones- trouble with reading, sports (hitting the baseball consistently), coordination, etc- that were not easily detectable,but when put together presented issues. The staff here were all very professional and loving towards him. While I was concerned in the reading, my son was concerned with the athletic side. Seeing improvement night off the bat gave him confidence that i have nor seen in him and made him want to not only Come to therapy, but also made him want to work hard. He has surpassed his grade level and above in reading and hit his first home run this year! Thank you!!!


Alice M.
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