Frequently Asked
Questions
Whether you’re a new patient at Eye Centers of Tennessee or have been seeing us for years, you may have questions. Read on for answers to a few of our most frequently asked questions.
ECOTN Basics
What insurance plans do you accept?
ECOTN accepts a wide range of insurance plans. To learn more or find out if your specific vision insurance is accepted, please give us a call at 800-766-2728. We can also provide you with information about whether certain services are covered under your plan.
Do you provide eye care if I don’t have insurance?
Yes. If you don’t have vision insurance, you can still receive eye care at any ECOTN location. Contact our office if you have questions about costs for specific eye services.
What are your office hours?
Our office hours vary a bit depending on location. We offer comprehensive eye care services in numerous locations across the Upper Cumberland, with most offices open Monday–Friday. Check out our locations page for information specific to each location.
Eye Exams
How often should I have an eye exam?
This will vary somewhat based on your individual eye health needs and your family medical history, but most people should have a comprehensive eye exam annually. This helps ensure your eye health is in optimal condition and that your vision can be corrected effectively, as needed.
What can I expect from a routine eye exam?
During an eye exam, you’ll undergo a series of tests designed to evaluate your eye health and vision, as well as check for any eye-related diseases, such as cataracts and glaucoma. An eye health practitioner will use a variety of methods and checks, including basics like reading from an eye chart and more complex procedures like using a lens to examine the eye internally. Visit our eye exams page to learn more.
What does a contact lens exam involve?
A contact lens exam includes testing to ensure your contact lenses fit correctly within the eyes and that the prescription in them is correct. This is different and separate from a regular routine eye exam.
What happens when your eyes are dilated?
If your eye doctor needs to dilate your eyes, he or she will put a small amount of dilating eye drops into each eye. It then takes about 20 minutes or so for the pupils to fully open. During this time, your vision will blur and you may have difficulty focusing or sensitivity to light. Dilating your eyes allows your doctor to fully examine the optic nerve and retina in the eye.
Vision Correction
How long is my lens prescription good for?
In the state of Tennessee, glasses and contact lens prescriptions are good for one year. After that point, the prescription expires. It’s a good idea to have an eye exam and update your prescription annually.
What does it mean to be nearsighted or farsighted?
If a person is nearsighted — a condition known as myopia — objects up close will appear clearly, while objects further away will be blurry. If a person is farsighted — a condition known as hyperopia — distant objects may be viewed more clearly than those up close.
Is vision correction surgery right for me?
This is a question that can only really be answered by an eye doctor with knowledge about your specific eye health and needs. There are certain requirements that must be met in order to qualify for laser vision correction. Those can be found here, along with more information.
Eye Health
What should I do if I think I have an eye infection?
If you believe you may have an eye infection, contact our office for an appointment. Eye infections can be serious and have a wide range of causes, so trying to treat an infection using at-home or OTC methods can do more harm than good.
What should I do if I’m experiencing vision changes?
If you’ve noticed that your lens prescription no longer seems effective, give us a call to set up an appointment. But if your vision has suddenly or dramatically changed, it’s important to seek prompt medical attention. If you are experiencing fogginess, flashes of light or floaters, call the office immediately about your symptoms.
How can I ensure optimal eye health?
In general, what’s good for your body is good for your eyes! So practice healthy lifestyle habits, including getting regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, getting enough quality sleep, and drinking plenty of fluids. If you smoke, stop — smoking increases your risk of macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma, among other eye health issues. If you wear contact lenses, be sure you’re wearing them as directed by your doctor and replacing as indicated.
Contact Us to Book Your Appointment!
Still have questions? Please call us to speak to one of our experts or send us a message.