SERVICES
Comprehensive Eye Exams
Looking after the health of your eyes is just as important as looking after the rest of your body. Regular eye examinations are important for the early detection of eye diseases which can go unnoticed for a long time, as some diseases don’t have any obvious signs or symptoms in their early stages. A yearly eye examination is recommended for kids, persons who are 50 years or older and diabetics or hypertensive persons. All other persons are recommended to test their eyes every two (2) years unless otherwise directed by your Optometrist.
What does an eye exam include?
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Preliminary Tests – this may include evaluations of peripheral vision, depth perception, color vision, eye muscle movements, and how your pupils react to light.
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This is usually done with a puff of air. IOP is vitally important for eye conditions including glaucoma and corneal disease.
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This test uses a bright hand-held light to assess the health of the back of the eyes, and can detect cataracts, retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration amongst other eye conditions.
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The Optometrist will perform what is called a refraction. A phoropter will be placed in front of your face and as you look through the instrument, the optometrist will have you look at an image through a combination of lenses and state which is clearer. This is repeated for each eye until the optometrist determines which will adequately correct your vision. The results of a refraction is what determines your final glasses prescription.
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This exam gives your optometrist a magnified view of the different structures at the front of the eye and inside, such as the cornea, pupil, iris, tear ducts, lens and retina. The area surrounding the eyes can also be examined, such as the eyelids.
Contact Lens Exams
During a contact lens exam, the optometrist will conduct a brief consultation. In this consultation, the optometrist will speak to you about the types of contact lenses which will suit your visual needs and lifestyle. To better determine which type of contact lenses best suits you, the optometrist will ask questions like: Do you plan on wearing contacts for the majority of the day? Or are you interested in contacts solely for certain activities like sports, gym or social occasions?
What to expect in a contact lens exam
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An instrument called a keratometer will be used to obtain the base curve of your cornea, a clear protective layer at the front of the eye. This measurement allows the optometrist to determine the appropriate size and base curve of your contact lenses which will provide the best comfort and fit.
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A tear film evaluation is necessary to determine if you have dry eyes, as dry eyes can also impact the comfort of contact lens wear. To determine if you have dry eyes a drop of fluorescein dye will be placed into the eyes and the time measured for how long your tears take to evaporate is recorded.
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After the above evaluations are completed, your optometrist will direct you into trying on a pair of trail contacts based on their recommendations. These lenses will be worn for several minutes to allow the lens to settle before the optometrist will assess the fit and movement of the contact lenses on your eyes using a slit lamp. Your visual acuity with the lenses will also be taken to ensure you’re seeing clearly with the lenses.
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At your follow up exam, the optometrist will again exam not only the fit of the contact lens but assess your cornea and other surrounding tissues to detect any changes caused by your new contact lenses. Fluorescein dye may once more be used for further evaluation of the cornea.
