Important Announcement: We've partnered with ReFocus Eye Health to best focus on providing the best patient care possible. Of course, our doctors and staff will remain the same but our name, logo, and website will be updated as we integrate with the ReFocus family of eye clinics. This will not affect your appointments or your patient experience in the least. 

Important Annoucement: Our Blue Bell clinic is now closed. All patients from that office will be seen at our state-of-the-art North Wales location, where they can expect the same caliber of exceptional eye care and patient experience. This location is only 6 miles away and has ample parking.

The Importance of having an Annual, Comprehensive Eye Exam

Many patients get confused about having a vision screening and a comprehensive eye exam. There is a difference between a vision screening and a comprehensive eye exam. A vision screening identifies vision problems, but it does not take the place of a comprehensive eye exam. A comprehensive eye exam, which can only be conducted by an optometrist or an ophthalmologist, is an in-depth assessment of your eye health and vision status. Vision screenings can uncover some vision problems, but they can miss more than they find.  

Eye care doctors at Ophthalmology Physicians & Surgeons recommend a comprehensive eye exam every year to assess your risk for potentially damaging eye conditions, as well as to keep on top of any changes in vision you may be experiencing.  Aging patients and patients with diabetes must have a comprehensive eye exam Ophthalmology Physicians & Surgeons every year a priority. It could make the difference between being able to see and blindness.

During the comprehensive eye exam, your eye doctor at Ophthalmology Physicians & Surgeons will examine and evaluate the health of your eyes and the quality of your vision. These tests range from reading an eye chart, to tests, such as using a high-powered lens to examine the health of the tissues inside of your eyes. We check for common eye diseases, assess how your eyes work together and evaluate your eyes as an indicator of your overall health.  Dry eyes, cataracts, macular degeneration and glaucoma are some of the more common conditions found. 

At Ophthalmology Physicians & Surgeons, our comprehensive eye exam includes screening for signs of eye and medical problems such as:

Dry Eyes – We often see patients who are suffering from dry eyes. Symptoms often include itchy, red eyes.

Glaucoma – Glaucoma usually has no early warning signs and early detection is key to preserving vision. Over time, if not treated, glaucoma damages the optic nerve and can lead to blindness.

Cataracts – A cataract is a clouding in the lens inside the eye as a result of aging. Over time, this leads to hazy vision.

Macular degeneration – A comprehensive annual exam can help us detect the early signs of macular degeneration and treat it, if necessary.

Diabetes – Diabetes can affect the eyes and lead to blindness. People with diabetes need to have an annual, comprehensive eye exam to check for diabetic retinopathy.

“Patients with diabetic eye disease often have no symptoms until the disease reaches an advanced stage. However, it can be detected early through a dilated eye exam.”

— FRANCIS J. CLARK, M.D.

 

Annual, comprehensive eye exams are an important part of preventive health care. Just as you should see your dentist and medical doctor each year, you should visit your eye doctor as well. Call Ophthalmology Physicians & Surgeons today to make your annual, comprehensive eye exam appointment.

Author
Ophthalmology Physicians & Surgeons, PC

You Might Also Enjoy...

Sports Vision

When athletes undergo a comprehensive vision examination, it is important to have good vision. However, it goes beyond just checking for 20/20 vision. There are many additional components that allow for good athleticism, including: 

What Ocular Conditions Are More Frequent at Age 40?

The most frequent ocular condition that starts at this age is Presbyopia. This is a normal aging process and cannot be considered as a true disease. Presbyopia is the normal progressive loss of the ability to focus and see things close up.

Eye Tearing

Patients can experience eye tearing or watery eyes for multiple different reasons, some of the more frequent causes are described below. Dry environments (as in the winter being indoor with the heater on), wind, pollens or allergens can cause dryness an

Dry Eyes and Makeup

Dry eyes is a very prevalent ocular condition, it affects millions of people every year. There are many factors that contribute to whether someone experiences dry eyes. No matter what the cause of one's dry eye is, makeup can amplify the problem.

Snow Blindness

It’s finally winter and you’re planning on going to the slopes. A few things to remember about snow before you head out there! Though the sun rays are not as strong in the winter as in the summer, it is quite possible to get sunburned during the winter.

All About Eye Color

What Determines Eye Color? A person’s eye color is found in the iris. Cells called melanocytes produce various levels of pigment called melanin. Melanin not only provides color, but also absorbs light, acting as an added layer of protection from UV rays.