Vision Exams

FAQs on General Vision Exams:

When Should I Get an Eye Exam?

Your vision check-up schedule will depend on your age and medical history. You may be asked to visit your eye doctor every six months, annually, or once every two years, all dependent on your personal care needs. Adherence to this schedule is critical, as general vision exams are an important part of detecting the early signs of many eye diseases. Most eye problems, when discovered early, are generally much easier to treat than those found in later stages.

Some specific cases where general eye exams are applicable for patients of varying ages are as follows:

• Children with myopia (nearsightedness) need regular testing to ensure that their glasses are working properly. Regular eye exams are also important in diagnosing an initial change in vision, as school eye exams are not designed to treat myopia.
• If a patient presents with cataracts, an exam every one to two years is advisable - the blurred vision from the cataract frequently can be corrected with a change in spectacles.
• All diabetics should have annual eye exams every year, to check for damage in the eye related to their illness.

What Can I Expect from an Eye Exam?

During your eye exam, Dr. Nath will check for early signs of eye diseases, as well as take any measurements needed for a new glasses prescription. This might include some additional testing of the cornea, pupils, retina and other critical parts of your eyes.

If no problems are detected, you will be told to come back for your next appointment in one year. By then, the reading glass prescription may need strengthening.

If signs of raised fluid pressure in the eye or glaucoma are present, more frequent exams might have to be scheduled.

Why are Eye Exams Important for Babies and Children?

It’s arguably never too early to see an eye doctor. In fact, babies are often taken to the eye doctor because someone thinks that their eyes do not look straight. Crossed eyes, or strabismus, tends to run in families. Most often, the crossed-eyes appearance is caused  by the shape of the baby's eyelids. In such cases, an examination should be performed as soon as possible.

Additionally, many infants have watery eyes caused by blocked tear passages. Usually, the condition clears up by itself by the time the child reaches age one.

Regardless of their early history, all children should have an exam at the age two, four and six. Near-sightedness (or myopia) commonly begins between age eight and 12, and gets worse until age 20 to 25. Youngsters with myopia need regular testing to ensure that their glasses are working properly.

How Can Adults Benefit from Eye Exams?

By age 40 to 45, most people experience difficulty in seeing small print, particularly in poor lighting conditions. This is caused by the onset of "old-sight" or presbyopia. Many people can overcome the problem for a while by holding reading material further away. However, over time, a change in prescription and specialized glasses may be necessary.

Additionally, elderly people with a degenerative disease of the retina (the light-sensitive film on the back of the eye) may benefit from regularly updated glasses. This way, they can get the most out of their slowly failing eyesight. Regular eye exams will also ensure that these eye diseases are treated properly, which will minimize their progress.

It’s important to note that many eye conditions are a natural result of aging. Others, however, are serious and require prompt care. Following your specific eye exam schedule and regularly communicating with your eye doctor will allow you to address your vision needs quickly so that you can see as clearly as possible for years to come.

No matter what the condition is, Dr. Lisa Nath, MD and her team of expert eye care professionals in Bellevue, PA. are happy to assist with your eye conditions. Call our office at 412-734-5022 or request an appointment online to effortlessly schedule a convenient time to get your eye checked.