All of our senses enable us to connect with the world around us, but most of us rely on our eyes more than any other. Studies estimate that around 80% of our day to day impressions are formed by what we can see. Our vision helps us to confirm what we smell, hear, touch and taste. It is also one of the most reliable methods for keeping us safe. Take crossing a road: we may think we hear traffic, but it is nearly impossible to know for sure just how far away vehicles are unless you can see them with your own two eyes.

Comprehensive eye exams should form an essential part of your usual preventative care. Just as you would attend an annual doctor’s appointment so that they can perform wellness, checks you should also be certain to go for at least one comprehensive eye exam each year. These appointments are far more than just an eye test to check how clearly you can see and whether you need glasses or contact lenses. A comprehensive eye exam evaluates the physiological health and condition of your eyes, as well as the clarity of your vision.

At Auglaize Family Eye Care, we are deeply committed to the ocular health of our patients and are able to offer comprehensive eye exams, performed by our experienced and knowledgeable eye care team at our offices in Wapakoneta, OH.

What Eye Diseases Can Be Detected During A Comprehensive Eye Exam?

Assessing the health of your eyes is extremely important as there is a range of ocular conditions that can have a significant impact on your day to day vision. Left untreated, some of these eye diseases can lead to irreversible sight loss. Some of the most common eye diseases that can be identified during an eye exam include:

• Age-related macular degeneration

• Cataracts

• Glaucoma

• Diabetic retinopathy

• Dry eye syndrome

• Amblyopia

• Strabismus

In addition to ocular diseases, a comprehensive eye exam can actually help in the detection of a range of other health conditions. These include:

• Diabetes, which is detected by looking at the blood vessels at the back of the eyes.

• High blood pressure, which again can be identified by assessing the condition of the blood vessels in the eyes.

• Sickle cell disease, which can be detected using a dilated fundus exam.

• Arthritis of the eye, including Sjogren’s syndrome.

• High cholesterol, which can be identified by looking at the colorization of the corneas.

• Multiple sclerosis, something which can be detected by determining the health of the optic nerves.

• Ocular melanoma, or other eye tumors which could turn out to be cancerous.
  
  
  

What To Expect During Your Comprehensive Eye Exam?

A comprehensive eye exam contains a variety of different elements. When you first arrive for your appointment you will have a consultation with our team which will involve taking information about your medical and visual health history (assuming we don’t already have these details) and talking to you about your current health and lifestyle. We will also ask you how you feel your sight is at the present time and if you have any concerns.

Then, the assessment part of your eye exam will begin. This will involve a range of different tests including:

• Pupil dilation. This is carried out using drops and enables us to look inside your eyes to check their health and overall condition.

• Visual field test, which is used to assess your peripheral vision. Peripheral blind spots can occur in conditions such as glaucoma.

• Intraocular pressure testing. This is performed using a puff of air placed into the eye to measure the pressure. High intraocular pressure (IOP) can be an indicator of glaucoma.

• Slit-lamp exam. This is another exam that enables us to look at the structures of your eyes, including the cornea, iris, and lens, as well as parts of the eye that are further back including the retina and optic nerve. Slit-lamp exams can help to detect a wide variety of eye conditions including cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and even corneal ulcers.

• Depth perception testing.

• Movement testing, which determines how strong your eye muscles are and how well your eyes work individually and together.

• Color blindness testing.

• Visual acuity testing, which is used to determine how clearly you can see and whether you need glasses or contact lenses to improve your vision.

Exactly what is included in your comprehensive eye exam may vary, and we will talk you through exactly what you can expect to happen during the first part of your appointment.

Ready to book your comprehensive eye exam with our experienced and dedicated eye care team? Contact Auglaize Family Eye Care in Wapakoneta, OH today where we are ready and waiting to help you achieve healthy eyes and clear vision now and in the future (419) 775-4300.