Eye care is much more than just a simple vision screening, a comprehensive eye exam can determine your complete ocular health assessment. This can lead to early diagnosis of any issues, treatment, and prevent vision loss.
A recent study published in Optometry and Vision Science, Value of Routine Eye Examinations in Asymptomatic Patients, reveals those with no perceived vision symptoms in fact had significant issues uncovered during a comprehensive eye exam.
“Many people believe they will know if they have a vision problem, and this is simply not true,” Dr. Elizabeth Irving, O.D., Ph.D., professor with the School of Optometry and Vision Science at the University of Waterloo says. “Although this paper does not specifically report on visual acuity, given that a substantial number of these individuals required a spectacle prescription change, it does reflect on the ability—or lack thereof—of patients to detect reduced vision.”
“Routine, comprehensive eye exams uncover a significant number of issues including those critical to eye health in asymptomatic people,” Dr. Irving stresses. “(This study) provides peer-reviewed scientific evidence for the efficacy of routine eye exams. This has been lacking in the literature and gives advocates of routine eye exams numbers to back their position. (Secondly), the numbers are high, indicating that routine eye exams are, in fact, productive and therefore worth advocating for.”
“When a patient comes in to the office for an examination, we do so much more than just update a prescription for glasses or contacts,” says Steven A. Loomis, O.D., AOA president. “Our tests are specialized for the needs of each individual and allow us to check the overall health of our patients. By analyzing images of the back of the eye, for example, we can see how a patient’s blood vessels are functioning, which can signify serious conditions such as hypertension that often go undetected. The eyes are the window to your well-being, and their care cannot be left to a computer and a smartphone.”
If it’s been a while since you’ve been to an eye doctor, contact Lake Nona Eye Care for an appointment, we are happy to help you with any concerns or questions you may have.
During an eye exam, Dr. Ward performs a quality, comprehensive examination of your eyes, ocular health and visual system to ensure your eyes are visually healthy. Through tonometry, which measures the pressure inside your eyes, you are screened for glaucoma. Dilating the pupils will enable Dr. Ward to examine the internal structures of the eyes. This includes, the posterior portion of your eye where the retina, optic nerve, veins and arteries can be viewed directly, providing a clear picture of your vascular health.