Is it time to visit an eye doctor?
When was the last time you had your vision checked? If it’s been more than a year, it’s probably time that you scheduled an appointment with an eye doctor. After all, a lot can change regarding your vision, and sometimes these changes can be so subtle that you might not even notice them. Here at Santa Monica Eye Medical Group, our ophthalmologists provide comprehensive eye exams to patients in and around Santa Monica, Bentwood and Pacific Palisades, CA.
How Often Should I Get an Eye Exam?
It's highly recommended that all children and adults get annual visual screenings with an eye doctor. This is the best way to maintain healthy eyes and to catch problems early on when they are easier to treat and are less likely to lead to severe complications such as vision loss. A simple eye exam is one of the best ways to protect against eye disease and other problems. At the very least, individuals with perfect vision should visit us every two years for an eye exam.
Why Are Eye Exams Essential for Everyone?
Your eyes might seem fine, but this doesn’t always mean they are. Eye problems can creep up, and you may not notice until it starts to impact your vision. By visiting your eye doctor once a year for a comprehensive checkup, we can catch problems before they affect your vision.
What Occurs During an Eye Exam?
During your exam, our eye doctor will review your medical history to look for a family history of eye disorders such as macular degeneration or glaucoma. If you are at an increased risk for glaucoma, we may recommend getting a tonometry, which tests for glaucoma.
During the glaucoma test, we will numb the eyes and check the pressure around the eyes with a special device. In some cases, a simple “puff test” will be all that’s needed to check the pressure of the eyeball. We will discuss all exams and tests we perform before we begin so you know exactly what to expect. None of these tests are invasive or painful. You will also get the results of your glaucoma test immediately.
If you wear glasses or contact lenses, we will also need to ensure your current prescription is still accurate. This involves undergoing vision tests to see whether your prescription has changed or stayed the same. It’s normal for vision to change over time, so this is another reason to have your vision checked once a year if you are a current eyeglass or contact lens wearer.
It’s essential that you put your eye health first. If it’s been more than a year since your last eye exam, it’s time to turn to our ophthalmologists at Santa Monica Eye Medical Group in Santa Monica, CA, serving residents of Santa Monica, Brentwood, and Pacific Palisades, CA. Call (310) 829-5475 to schedule your next eye exam with us.
