Comprehensive Eye Exam, Hartselle, AL

Decatur Family Eye Care provides comprehensive eye care for the entire family. At our office near Hartselle, AL, we conduct comprehensive eye exams to gain a full understanding of your eye health. During the exam, your doctor will screen for a range of eye diseases, which can have no symptoms in the early stages.

While we recommend getting an eye exam every one to two years, the frequency of your eye exams will depend on your age, risk factors, and whether you wear glasses or contact lenses. Some adults are at higher risk of developing eye diseases and should schedule regular eye exams so your doctor can spot early signs of eye conditions. Risk factors include:

• Family history of eye disease such as glaucoma and macular degeneration
• Certain medical conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure
• Previous eye injuries or surgery
• Taking certain medications

EYE EXAM AND CONSULTATION

During an eye exam, your optometrist will ask about any eye or vision problems you are currently having and about your overall health. They will also ask about your work environment, your current medications, previous eye or vision problems, and your family history.

A vision evaluation

Your optometrist will evaluate your vision as part of a comprehensive eye exam. Using a wall eye chart and a reading eye chart, your doctor will measure your visual acuity. Normal visual acuity is 20/20 vision, which means you can see something clearly from 20 feet away. Your optometrist may recommend eyeglasses or contact lenses based on the results of your vision evaluation.

Eye health examination

Your optometrist will assess your eye health by looking at your eyes and eyelids and possibly dilating your pupils. Using a quick and simple test called tonometry, they will measure the pressure inside your eyes, as increased eye pressure can be a sign of glaucoma. All the tests in a comprehensive eye exam are painless, and your doctor will explain each test before performing them.

For many conditions, early detection is key to preventing or slowing the progression of the disease. During an eye exam, your doctor will look for a range of eye issues, including cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, keratoconus, and binocular vision dysfunction. If any issues are detected, you and your doctor will work together to develop a treatment plan that fits your needs.

Eye function testing

Your comprehensive eye exam will also include tests for depth perception, color vision, eye muscle capabilities, peripheral vision, and how your eyes respond to light. Your doctor will also check that your eyes are focusing properly and how well your eyes work together.

Looking for an eye doctor near Hartselle, AL? Contact us at 256-353-1787 to schedule your appointment.