When was the last time you had your eyes checked? If you’re only visiting the optometrist when you notice blurry vision or need a prescription update, you might be missing out on the full benefits of comprehensive eye care.
At Tigard Vision Center, we want to ensure that you understand the difference between a basic vision check and a comprehensive eye exam—and why the latter is essential for maintaining optimal eye health.
What Is a Basic Vision Check?
A basic vision check typically tests how well you can see at various distances. Optometrists often use it to assess whether you need prescription glasses or contact lenses. Here’s what a basic vision check usually includes:
- Visual Acuity Test: The well-known eye chart test (Snellen chart) measures how clearly you can see objects from a distance. This determines if you have any refractive errors, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.
- Prescription Check: If you already wear glasses or contact lenses, this part of the exam ensures that your current prescription is still appropriate or if you need an update.
While a basic vision check can help identify whether you need corrective lenses, it doesn’t thoroughly assess your overall eye health.
What Is a Comprehensive Eye Exam?
A comprehensive eye exam, on the other hand, goes much further than just checking your vision. It is an in-depth evaluation of both your vision and the health of your eyes.
Here’s what you can expect during a comprehensive exam at Tigard Vision Center:
Patient History Review
The optometrist will discuss your overall health, family history of eye diseases, medications, and any symptoms or concerns you may have about your vision or eye health.
Visual Acuity and Refraction
Like a basic vision check, a comprehensive exam assesses your visual clarity. But it goes beyond also testing for different refractive errors and checking the effectiveness of your current prescription.
Eye Movement and Coordination Tests
Eye alignment and coordination are crucial for focusing and reading. The optometrist will assess how well your eyes work together and how smoothly they move, which is important for tasks like reading or watching screens.
Eye Pressure Test (Tonometry)
This test measures the pressure inside your eyes to detect early signs of glaucoma, a disease that can cause permanent vision loss if left untreated.
Pupil Dilation and Retinal Examination
The optometrist may dilate your pupils using special eye drops to get a detailed view of your retina and optic nerve. This allows them to check for early signs of cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and other serious eye conditions.
Visual Field Test
This test measures your peripheral vision and can help detect blind spots or other signs of neurological or eye diseases.
Corneal and Lens Examination
Using a slit lamp, the optometrist can inspect the front part of your eye, including the cornea and lens, to check for any abnormalities, such as dry eye, cataracts, or corneal damage.
Why Choose a Comprehensive Eye Exam?
Routine comprehensive eye exams are critical because many eye diseases develop gradually and without noticeable symptoms. Optometrists can catch conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration early with regular comprehensive exams, which means more effective treatments and better outcomes for your vision.
While a basic vision check is helpful for updating your prescription, it won’t detect these potential health issues. Comprehensive eye exams ensure your optometrist evaluates your entire eye, not just your vision, giving you peace of mind and a proactive approach to maintaining long-term eye health.
Take the Next Step in Your Eye Care
At Tigard Vision Center, we believe in the power of preventive care. Comprehensive eye exams allow us to identify and treat potential issues before they impact your sight. If it’s been a while since your last exam or you’ve never had a comprehensive eye exam, now is the time to request one.
Take control of your eye health and protect your vision for the future.
Request Your Comprehensive Eye Exam
Prioritize your eye health by requesting a comprehensive eye exam at Tigard Vision Center. Our experienced team is here to ensure you receive the best care possible. Don’t wait—request your appointment and keep your eyes healthy for years to come.