Eye exams are an essential part of maintaining healthy eyes and vision. At Andrew Stone Optometry, we offer eye exams for patients in Columbia MO. The following questions are common ones that are asked about these exams. Those who are coming in for an exam or those who need to schedule one should keep the answers to these questions in mind.
How Often Do I Need an Eye Exam?
This depends on whether or not patients have corrective lenses, their age and whether or not they have any eye conditions. Individuals with corrective lenses, such as contact lenses or glasses, should have an eye exam done once a year to see of their prescription has changed. Adults who are 61 years old and up should also have a yearly eye exam. Individuals who do not wear corrective lenses and those who are between 18 and 60 years old should have an eye exam every two years. Those with eye diseases or conditions that can affect vision should have an eye exam as often as recommended.
What Does My Eye Exam Include?
Eye exams typically include eye function testing, which measures focusing power, coordination, depth perception and other factors. This type of test is important for younger individuals since their brain and eyes are not fully developed. An eye exam also includes eye disease testing and testing for eye damage. This type of test can help our Columbia Optometrists find early signs of glaucoma and other eye diseases that become more common with age. Eye exams also include vision testing, which measures nearsightedness, astigmatism, and farsightedness. Patients might find out that they need to wear corrective lenses, or they might find out that their current prescription has changed.
What Happens if My Prescription Changes?
Individuals who have changes in their prescription will need to get new corrective lenses in order to see clearly. Patients can choose new frames or contacts to go with their new prescription at Andrew Stone Optometry. We have several styles and designs to choose from.
Do I Need Glaucoma Testing?
Glaucoma testing is sometimes done with the “puff of air†test to check the pressure in the eyes. Not everyone needs to have testing done for glaucoma when they come in for a regular eye exam. Those who are at increased risk of glaucoma, which can cause vision loss when it is left untreated, typically need to have this testing done.
Will My Pupils Be Dilated?
Pupil dilation is often done to give a better view of the inside of the eye, which can reveal signs of diseases, such as macular degeneration. In general, patients who are 60 years old and up typically have their pupils dilated during eye exams. Those who are at risk for glaucoma or other eye diseases also have pupil dilation done during routine eye exams.
Contact Our Optometrists in Columbia for More Information!
If you need an eye exam, please contact Andrew Stone Optometry to schedule an appointment with our Optometrists in Columbia, MO at (573) 445-7750.
