Eye Exam Specialist

Why would I need an eye exam?

The earlier you catch a problem with your eyes or your vision, the better your chances are of making a full and speedy recovery. Getting regular eye exams from your doctor helps catch illnesses and injuries before they get bad enough to cause symptoms.

Adults under 30 should get an eye exam about every five years, but the older you get, the more often you should have your eyes checked. If you’re over 55, it’s a good idea to be examined about every year or two — more if you wear glasses or contacts.

Children should get eye exams every few years in adolescence, but pediatricians will often be able to catch any common eye problem that presents in children, like lazy eyes.

How should I prepare for my eye exam?

If you’re seeing an eye-care specialist for the first time, think about the answers to these questions about your vision history before you get to the office:

• Are your eye problems happening now? Have they happened before?
• Were you born prematurely?
• Do you already wear glasses or contacts? Have you had problems with them?
• Have you had any health problems in the past several years?
• Do you take any medications?
• Do you have any allergies, including to food or medication?
• Have you ever had eye surgery or a history of injury to your eyes?
• Does anyone in your family have eye problems, especially glaucoma or macular degeneration?
• Do you have heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes? Do you have a family history of any of these, or all three?

Considering these factors can make a big difference in giving your doctor at All About Eyes of Sayville a clear picture of your medical history, so think carefully.

What can I expect in my eye exam?

In addition to asking questions about your vision and medical history, your doctor will perform a series of quick, painless tests. These are done mainly to measure how clear your vision is, how strong the muscles around your eyes are, their responsiveness to light, and the amount of pressure in each eye.

Some of these tests mean your doctor just asks you to read numbers or letters off a chart or follow a bright light with your eyes as it moves around a screen.

The more hands-on of these tests involve a numbing agent or a fluorescent liquid called fluorescein being added to your eye with a dropper, allowing your eye to be inspected more easily by your doctor. Other tests involve a quick jet of air being pumped toward the eye.

Finally, sometimes your doctor will need to dilate your pupils to see more clearly what is affecting your eyes. This process can make it uncomfortable to be around bright light for several hours afterward but is safe and painless as well.

If you think you need an eye exam or have any questions about your eyes and vision, call the office or set an appointment up online today.