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At Buckeye Optometry, we provide quality eye health and vision care for patients in the Marion area. During a comprehensive eye exam, our eye doctor will assess your visual acuity, check for early signs of eye diseases and other medical issues, and determine how well your eyes work together.

What should you expect during a comprehensive eye exam?

A comprehensive eye exam involves more than checking your vision. We use advanced diagnostic technology to spot early signs of eye diseases and other health conditions before symptoms appear. While tests will vary depending on your age, eye health, and other factors, most comprehensive eye exams include the following:

  • Assessing visual acuity (the sharpness of your vision) and determining your correct eyeglass prescription.
  • Using automated visual field testing to detect dysfunctions in central and peripheral vision caused by various medical conditions, including glaucoma, stroke, brain tumors, or other neurological problems.
  • Taking a thorough medical history, including your current medications, family history of eye diseases and other conditions, and any eye concerns you’re currently experiencing.
  • Evaluating binocular vision to check for loss of depth perception, strabismus, and amblyopia.
  • Dilating your pupils to monitor the health of the retina and optic nerve.
  • Screening for and diagnosing various eye conditions, including glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and ocular surface disease.

Comprehensive eye exams can take up to an hour, depending on your eye health and how many tests you need. Before performing each test, our eye doctor will clearly explain what it involves. All the tests we perform are painless and are a crucial part of maintaining optimal eye health.

If we find any signs of issues, our eye doctor will work closely with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. They will also prescribe contact lenses or eyeglasses if you need them to see clearly.

Other Services We Offer

We also offer some optional services that can help you maintain optimal eye health and improve your quality of life. Depending on the results of your exam, we may recommend any of the following:

Digital retinal imaging

Digital retinal photography is a specialized camera that allows us to examine the retina (the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of your eye). This procedure is quick, non-invasive, and can help us detect early signs of eye conditions that may affect not only your vision but also your overall health. With digital retinal photography, we can get a better view of your eye’s structures and monitor any changes over time.

Dry eye therapy

Dry eye, also known as dry eye syndrome, affects about one out of every six people and can cause symptoms such as burning, stinging, watering, and even blurred vision. While artificial tears can provide some relief, we also offer new treatment options that can help provide longer-lasting relief. Our dry eye therapy options are customized to your needs and can help you find the relief you need to go about your day with comfort and ease.

What are the benefits of a comprehensive eye exam?

A comprehensive eye exam offers several benefits, including:

  • Early detection of eye diseases: Some eye diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration have no early symptoms and can develop gradually and painlessly. If left untreated, these conditions can cause permanent vision loss. Seeing a qualified optometrist can protect your eyes through early detection and timely treatment.
  • Reveal signs of other health problems: Your eyes are a window to your health. Along with eye diseases, your eyes can also reveal signs of other conditions hiding in your body. These critical health issues include diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, heart disease, and multiple sclerosis.
  • Improved vision: Correcting vision problems is important for maintaining good vision and overall eye health. During a comprehensive eye exam, your eye doctor will check for vision issues such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. They can then prescribe glasses or contact lenses to correct your vision and improve your quality of life. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, regular comprehensive eye exams are also crucial for ensuring your prescription remains up to date and you continue to see your best.
  • Monitoring changes: If you have an existing eye condition, regular eye exams can help monitor any changes and ensure that your treatment plan is working effectively.

We recommend getting a comprehensive eye exam every 1-2 years. However, if you have an underlying condition or a high risk of developing eye diseases, you may need to see our eye doctor more frequently.

Schedule a comprehensive eye exam at Buckeye Optometry

Our team of eye care professionals is here to help you protect your vision and see clearly for years to come. Make sure your eyes stay healthy by scheduling an eye exam at our office in Marion.

Can I do an eye exam online?

No. There are several reasons why. First, an online eye test may not be performed by a physician. Further, an online eye test is not a complete and comprehensive eye exam and only uses one test that is part of an exam. Due to this, your eye health is not fully examined. Finally, an online eye test can’t help you find the right glasses or contact lens to fit your face and specific prescription needs.

What is included in an eye exam?

A comprehensive eye exam involves more than checking your vision. We use advanced diagnostic technology to spot early signs of eye diseases and other health conditions before symptoms appear. While tests will vary depending on your age, eye health, and other factors, most comprehensive eye exams include the following:

-Assessing visual acuity (the sharpness of your vision) and determining your correct eyeglass prescription.

-Using automated visual field testing to detect dysfunctions in central and peripheral vision caused by various medical conditions, including glaucoma, stroke, brain tumors, or other neurological problems.

-Taking a thorough medical history, including your current medications, family history of eye diseases and other conditions, and any eye concerns you’re currently experiencing.

-Evaluating binocular vision to check for loss of depth perception, strabismus (eye turn), and amblyopia (“lazy eye”).

-Checking the pressure in your eye and determining if you have an increased risk for glaucoma.

-Dilating your pupils to monitor the health of the retina and optic nerve.

-Screening for and diagnosing various eye conditions, including glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and ocular surface disease. 

Comprehensive eye exams can take up to an hour, depending on your eye health and how many tests you need. Before performing each test, our eye doctor will clearly explain what it involves. All the tests we perform are painless and are a crucial part of maintaining optimal eye health. 

If we find any signs of issues, our eye doctor will work closely with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. They will also prescribe contact lenses or eyeglasses if you need them to see clearly.

What diseases can be detected in an eye exam?

Comprehensive eye exams look for both eye disease and systemic disease.

Some eye diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration have no early symptoms and can develop gradually and painlessly. If left untreated, these conditions can cause permanent vision loss. Seeing a qualified optometrist can protect your eyes through early detection and timely treatment. Also, If you have an existing eye condition, regular eye exams can help monitor any changes and ensure that your treatment plan is working effectively.

Additionally, your eyes are a window to your overall health. Along with eye diseases, your eyes can also reveal signs of other conditions hiding in your body. These critical health issues include diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, heart disease, and multiple sclerosis.

Further, correcting vision problems is important for maintaining good vision and health and mobility. During a comprehensive eye exam, your eye doctor will check for vision issues such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. They can then prescribe glasses or contact lenses to correct your vision and improve your quality of life. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, regular comprehensive eye exams are also crucial for ensuring your prescription remains up to date and you continue to see your best.

How often do I need an eye exam?

We recommend getting a comprehensive eye exam every 1-2 years. However, if you have an underlying condition or a high risk of developing eye diseases, you may need to see our eye doctor more frequently.

Is it necessary for the doctor to dilate my pupils during the exam?

Dilation is part of a thorough eye exam. You may think it’s a hassle, but it gives your doctor a good look inside your eye. It’s especially important if you’re having eye pain or vision problems, or if you’re more likely to get certain eye diseases.

Normally, your pupil gets smaller when light shines into it. With dilation, your doctor uses special eye drops to allow the pupil to stay open. This enables them to see much more of the back of your eye, including the entire retina, the part of the retina called the macula, and the optic nerve.