A Wellness Vision Exam Can Start Your New Year Off Right
- Posted on: Dec 30 2020
When we think about health and wellness, we may remember that it’s important to eat well-balanced meals. We may try to get out and exercise, even in the colder months. But our eyes? Unless we wear glasses, we might not give much thought to eye health. As we look forward to a healthier, happier year ahead, we at Roholt Vision Institute also look forward to helping people in the North Canton, Alliance, and Canfield areas enjoy good vision and healthier eyes. Here, we discuss what may be included in an annual eye exam, so you can see how much there is to gain from this routine appointment.
Routine eye exams that include observation of all parts of the dilated eye are the first line of defense against numerous potentially serious eye diseases and uncomfortable conditions. Performed annually, these exams build off of a baseline set at the first visit and observe how eye structures and measurements may change over time. In this way, the comprehensive eye exam translates to personalized health care.
What Does an Annual Eye Exam Involve?
Part of the annual wellness vision exam is talking with your eye doctor. During your first appointment with us, we may ask about your medical history and, if you wear them, details about your corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses. A visual acuity test may be performed to measure how clear your vision is. Additional screenings performed by an ophthalmologist include:
- Glaucoma screening. Glaucoma is a common eye disease that, at its onset, can degrade peripheral vision. If not treated, glaucoma will steal increasingly more vision over time, potentially resulting in complete vision loss. In addition to checking peripheral vision, the eye doctor will measure the pressure within the eyes in a quick, painless test.
- Retina and refraction exam. The retina is a piece of tissue at the back of the eye that refracts, or bends, light. If light is not bent properly, vision can be affected in several ways. Common refractive errors include nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia. Each is correctable with prescription eyeglasses or contacts. Some people choose to correct a refractive error with LASIK.
- Slit-lamp exam. A slit-lamp is a type of microscope. This screening illuminates the front of the eye with a bright light so the doctor can observe the eye’s lens, cornea, iris, and even the eyelashes and eyelids. This exam allows the ophthalmologist to observe how the tear film is functioning and if there are signs of cataracts.
The eyes are as crucial to health and wellness as the skin, the teeth, and other organs. Contact a Roholt Vision Institute near you to schedule your comprehensive eye exam.
Posted in: Eye Exams