EYE EXAMS / VISION TESTING

Regular eye exams and vision testing are important. Eye exams can correct common vision problems. Exams also help to find eye diseases so they can be treated. Early treatment of many eye problems and diseases can prevent blindness. It is important that the eye care provider knows about any family history of certain diseases like glaucoma.

The simplest tests used to evaluate eyesight are the visual acuity tests. These tests measure a person's ability to see details at near and far distances and how well the eyes can focus. The tests measure for defects in the field of vision and assess the ability to see different colors. Other specialized tests can be done depending on a person's symptoms, age, and medical history.

Nearsightedness and farsightedness occur when the light rays entering the eye do not focus exactly on the retina. This causes blurred vision. The test for this is called a refraction test. This test can be part of a visual acuity test. Other tests for macular degeneration, glaucoma, and color blindness can also be done during a routine eye exam.

The following eye examination schedule is recommended by the American Academy of Ophthalmology:

newborn to 3 months (to screen for eye disease)
6 months to 1 year
about 3 years and about 5 years
at least one time between the ages of 6 and 19
at least one time from ages 20 to 39
every 2 to 4 years, ages 40 to 64 even if not having problems
every 1 to 2 years for everyone over age 65 and
once a year for everyone with health risk for eye problems; this exam should be through dilated pupils

Babies up to one year can have a screening by a children's healthcare provider called a pediatrician or by an eye care specialist called an ophthalmologist.

It may be necessary to have an exam more often than these suggestions. An eye care specialist will suggest how often an eye exam is necessary. Reasons for more frequent eye exams are:

a child with developmental delay
premature birth
family history of eye disease, like glaucoma
being African-American
previous serious eye injury
certain medications
certain diseases, like diabetes or HIV

Eye care providers include opticians, optometrists, and ophthalmologists. Opticians make or sell contact lenses or eyeglasses. They do not do vision testing or write prescriptions.

Optometrists can do eye exams and prescribe glasses and contacts and screen for certain conditions. Some states may allow optometrists to prescribe eye medicines. They cannot perform surgery.

Ophthalmologists have a medical degree. They also do eye exams and prescribe glasses and contacts. They may do surgery, and diagnose and treat other medical conditions and diseases of the eye.

People who are between the ages of 20 and 65 may see an optometrist if there is no family history of glaucoma. The person will be referred to an ophthalmologist, if an optometrist suspects a problem that cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. Anyone with glaucoma or other medical conditions should see an ophthalmologist. Sometimes the ophthalmologist may need to refer a person to another ophthalmologist who specializes in specific types of eye problems.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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