Routine eye exams for eye health and vision correction are provided by our team of ophthalmologists and staff at Schefkind Eye Care. Regular eye exams for adults and especially seniors are the best way to prevent eye health problems such as age related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, cataracts and diabetic eye problems from leading to vision loss.
When Should I Have My Eyes Examined?
We recommend that all patients have regular eye examinations every 1-3 years depending on your age, your health, your family history of eye problems and whether you have been diagnosed or treated for any eye conditions or diseases in the past. In addition, any time that you experience a sudden change in your vision, pain, redness, discharge, flashes of light, floaters or spots you should call our office immediately at 703-997-9710 and tell the receptionist what you are experiencing so they prioritize a time for your appointment.
Eye Exams for Adults & Seniors
It is important that if you have any family member who has been told that they have glaucoma, macular degeneration (AMD) or you are diabetic you will need to be examined at least each year or as directed by your eye doctor or family doctor. A number of eye problems and eye conditions become more frequent with age. Anyone over 65 should have an eye exam and glaucoma testing each year and anyone over 50 with a family history of macular degeneration should also be examined annually. Even healthy people should consider scheduling a routine eye exam each year if they fall into this age group.
What Happens During An Eye Exam?
A comprehensive eye exam is a through battery of tests performed in our office by our team of assistants, technicians and ophthalmologist eye doctors to evaluate the external and internal eye health as well as the vision correction and refractive or optical focusing status of your eyes. The entire exam will typically take about an hour and involve computerized tests and for most patients eye drops to dilate the pupil to allow a thorough evaluation of the back of the eye including the health of the retina and optic nerve. For all patients we will perform a quick painless tonometry eye pressure test for glaucoma. For some patients we may need to order additional testing including visual field testing, optic nerve and retinal imaging, corneal pachymetry thickness measurements, retina, optic nerve or external photography and ophthalmic ultrasound-all of which are performed in the comfort and convenience of our office. The eye doctors and staff at Schefkind Eye Associates will take the time necessary to answer questions and help you learn about your diagnosis and treatment plan options.