Eye and Vision exams

     Preventative and routine eye exams are important to maintaining good eye health. Often, eye and vision problems do not have obvious symptoms or signs, but are easily diagnosed by a licensed optometrist. By diagnosing eye and vision conditions early on, our optometrist is able to provide treatment options and, in many cases, restore vision or prevent vision loss. The American Optometric Association recommends yearly or bi-yearly eye and vision exams, depending on whether you are at-risk or not. 

     During an eye exam, you will be asked questions about any symptoms or issues you are experiencing, medications your are currently taking, any blurry vision, your work environment, and your overall health. Family history and previous eye or vision conditions will also be discussed during this part of the examination. All of this information will be considered when determining any treatments or recommendations. 

     Regular vision testing and evaluations ensure that you always have the clearest vision possible. We will measure how each eye is seeing by using a wall eye chart and a reading eye chart. The results of these tests are portrayed as a fraction, with 20/20 being the standard for normal distance and reading vision. Depending on the results of your vision test, Dr. Owen may prescribe corrective glasses, contacts, or eye exercises. 

     In addition to vision testing, we include testing the functionality of your eyes. We perform several tests to evaluate ocular alignment, eye muscle capabilities, peripheral vision, and responsiveness to light. Several other simple tests are completed to determine whether the eyes are focusing, moving, and working together properly. The test results will enable the diagnosing of any underlying conditions that may be impairing the eyes ability to focus or work together. 

     As part of a comprehensive eye exam, our optometrist examines the overall health of the eye through a visual examination and tonometry. We believe in full eye exams which include a dilation or a dilation equivalent.  Dilation, or dilation equivalent, is always recommended once every other year even in healthy individuals to get a full view of the retina.  If you are not being consistently dilated or having a dilation equivalent done by your current optometrist, you are not getting the quality of care you need and your eye health could be compromised.  The health of your eyes is evaluated by visually inspecting the eye and eyelids using magnification and a bright light. To examine the internal structures of the eye, we use a special lens in combination with the magnification. Our dilation equivalent includes the use of a 3D OCT which takes pictures of the inside of the eye and provides a scan of the retina. Increased eye pressure may be an indicator of glaucoma, so we utilize tonometry to measure eye pressure. After completing these tests, Dr. Owen reviews the results and discusses any necessary treatment options with you.