Comprehensive Eye Exams Can Preserve Your Vision
When it comes to protecting your health, preventive care is essential and ocular health is no different. Dr. Stanley Cushing and Dr. Justin Coco provide comprehensive eye care, including examinations to protect your vision. Performing an eye exam allows us to catch warning signs and diagnose conditions at the earliest stage possible. From friendly service to a precise evaluation of your vision and health, patients at our Denver, CO, ophthalmology office can expect to receive the highest quality of care tailored to their needs. We provide surgical treatment on-site for a variety of conditions and can also provide referrals to trusted practitioners in the community.
How Often Should I Have an Exam?
Typically, it is recommended that patients under 40 undergo an eye exam every two to four years. The recommended frequency will depend on your eye health, age, and certain risk factors, such as a family history of glaucoma or another eye disease. Patients over 60 can protect their eyes from age-related concerns with annual exams. If you are experiencing a sudden onset of symptoms, such as flashes or floaters, you should schedule an examination as soon as possible.
What Does an Eye Exam Entail?
Your comprehensive exam will typically last between one to two hours. To begin, your doctor will review your medical history and determine your risk for certain conditions. They will conduct a series of standard tests, many of which use our interactive wallboard, featuring diagrams and other diagnostic materials. These screenings include:
Visual Acuity Test
A visual acuity test uses special charts to determine whether you need corrective lenses. During the test, you will sit 20 feet away from a chart. You will cover one eye and read the smallest line of letters you can see, then repeat the test for the other eye. Near vision will be tested using a card with very fine print. Again, each eye will be tested separately.
Refraction Assessment
A refraction assessment is performed to further determine if you have a refractive error such as:
- Nearsightedness (myopia)
- Farsightedness (hyperopia)
- Astigmatism
- Presbyopia (age-related hyperopia)
Using a series of lenses, the doctor will measure the eye's ability to properly focus light. If you require glasses or contacts, this test can pinpoint your optimal prescription.
Testing for Eye Diseases
Tonometry allows us to check for glaucoma by testing the intraocular pressure of the eyes. To gather this information, we will simply direct a quick pulse of air onto the eye. A slit-lamp examination will also be conducted. Your doctor will use an illuminated microscope to exam various structures of the eye, such as the cornea, and screen for cataracts.
Retinal Examination
To evaluate the back of each eye, the doctor can use optomap retinal imaging or optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans to create high-resolution images. These advanced technologies allow us to accurately diagnose serious conditions such as:
- Glaucoma
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Macular holes
- Macular degeneration
During this portion of the exam, we can look for signs of leaking blood vessels and swelling which could damage your vision. If we find any evidence of retinal diseases, we can refer you to a trusted retinal specialist.
Ocular Motility
Testing the fluidity of eye movements can determine if there are any issues present that may affect your reading ability and more. You will simply be asked to follow a light or other moving object with your eyes.
Other Eye Tests
In addition to these common tests, your doctor may want to conduct other evaluations, including visual field testing to check for the presence of blind spots.
Why Are Eye Exams So Important?
It is imperative that patients attend regular eye exams to monitor their health and help prevent serious visual impairment. The results of these tests can indicate whether you need eyeglasses or contacts, check for color blindness, and identify any serious conditions that require treatment. Neglecting to address certain types of eye disease or injury can lead to blindness.
Eye exams allow us to catch warning signs and diagnose conditions at the earliest stage possible, before irreversible damage can occur.
Dr. Cushing and Dr. Coco strive to provide patients with convenient, timely treatment to protect their patients' eye health at every age. We also focus heavily on patient education and provide computer programs in every exam room. Being informed can help you manage your condition more effectively and choose the right solutions for your lifestyle.
Your Health Is Our Priority
Our team works together to provide you with the best possible care, from diagnosis to follow-up care. Schedule your examination today by contacting us online or calling the office at (303) 777-3277.
