Comprehensive Eye Exam

What are the Benefits of a Comprehensive Eye Exam?

Comprehensive eye exams evaluate all aspects of your vision and eye health.
The comprehensive eye exam looks at your eye externally and internally for any signs of eye disease, then tests your vision in a variety of ways.
 

• External Exam – This is an evaluation of the whites of your eyes, the iris, pupil, eyelids, and eyelashes.

• Internal Exam – This is an evaluation of the retina and optic nerve while your eyes are dilated.

• Visual Function and Eye Health – This includes testing depth perception, color vision, peripheral vision, and the response of the pupils to light, as well as an evaluation of eye focusing, eye teaming, and eye movement abilities.

• Glaucoma Testing – This is a test of fluid pressure within your eyes to check for the possibility of glaucoma.

• Visual Acuity – Dr. Bontrager will test your vision with different lenses to determine if glasses or contact lenses can improve your vision.

Comprehensive eye exams look at your total health history.
Even though you visit a separate office for your eye health, that doesn’t mean your eyes shouldn’t be treated holistically. Dr. Bontrager will discuss your overall health and that of your immediate family, any medications you’re taking, and whether you have high blood pressure or diabetes. They’ll also want to know if you smoke and how much sun exposure you get. All these factors help the eye doctor properly assess your eye health.

Various eye conditions can significantly impact vision, leading to a range of visual impairments. Diabetes, a systemic disease affecting blood sugar levels, can contribute to diabetic retinopathy, a condition that damages the blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision impairment or even blindness if left untreated. Dry eyes, a common condition caused by insufficient tear production or poor tear quality, can result in discomfort and blurred vision. Additionally, cataracts, characterized by the clouding of the eye's natural lens, can cause gradual vision decline. These conditions underscore the importance of regular eye examinations and proactive eye care to detect and manage issues early, preventing further deterioration of vision and maintaining overall eye health.

The American Optometric Association recommends an eye exam every two years if you aren’t having any problems and you’re aged 18-60. After the age of 61, you should schedule a comprehensive exam annually or as recommended by Dr. Bontrager.