Eye Exams
About Eye Exams
When we think about our health, our eye health isn’t always the first thing that comes to mind. But it’s an important facet of your overall health, making it important to have regular eye exams!
During a comprehensive eye exam, an Eye Centers of Tennessee ophthalmologist or optometrist will use a variety of tools and procedures to examine your eyes. This involves everything from basic checks like having a patient read an eye chart to more complex tests, like using a high-powered lens to examine the structures inside your eyes.
Eye exams check your vision, but they also examine the overall health of your eyes — including signs of other medical conditions that may present with symptoms in the eyes.
Are Eye Exams Right for You?
The short answer is yes! More than 11 million Americans ages 12 and older require some type of vision correction, such as contact lenses or glasses. But even those who don’t need help with their vision need to have their eyes examined regularly.
Many eye diseases, such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and cataracts, develop gradually over time. If they’re caught in the early stages, it’s easier to treat them and slow the progression of the disease.
It’s best to have an annual eye exam to keep a careful “eye” on your vision and eye health as you get older. Depending on your individual needs, your eye care provider may recommend more frequent screenings or specific tests.
Annual eye exams are even more important for certain medical groups, including those who have diabetes and those at high risk of glaucoma, such as African Americans and those older than age 60.