Comprehensive eye examinations are an important part of any preventative health care plan. The reality is that many eye conditions do not present obvious symptoms and people are often unaware that a problem exists.  Regular diagnostic testing and treatment of eye conditions is essential to maintaining eye health and visual acuity for both adults and children.

What is a comprehensive eye exam?

A comprehensive eye exam is designed to evaluate vision and the health of your eyes.  Dr. Rodgers uses a combination of tests and procedures during these exams.

Reasons for undergoing a comprehensive eye exam

Comprehensive eye examinations focus on the overall health of the eye as well as the accuracy of vision. School age children are urged to undergo comprehensive eye exams every year. School screenings are somewhat effective in discovering gross abnormalities.  However, they do not take place of a comprehensive eye exam.  The best way to ensure that your children do not develop a vision related learning disorder is to schedule comprehensive eye examinations for them annually.

Comprehensive eye exams for adults are just as important. The risk of developing certain eye diseases increases with age. Comprehensive eye exams allow eye doctors to screen for everything from glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration to high blood pressure and diabetes.

Performing comprehensive eye exams

Here are just a few of the different vision tests and screenings that are commonly performed during a comprehensive eye exam:

• Patient medical history 
• Visual acuity testing
• Color deficiency testing
• Cover test (to test how eyes work together) 
• Retinoscopy and refraction (to measure eyeglass prescription) 
• Slit-lamp exam (to gauge the health of eyes) 
• Glaucoma test (intraocular pressure test) 
• Pupil dilation 
• Visual field testing

Even if you do not think you are having any vision problems, you should schedule regular comprehensive eye examinations.