Comprehensive Eye Exams in Alamosa CO

Eye exams in Alamosa CO are essential for more than just correcting blurry vision, or checking a box off on your yearly to-do list —they're crucial for your overall health.

Beyond evaluating your visual sharpness, your eye care professional at San Luis Valley Eye Care will check for prevalent eye diseases, assess the teamwork of your eyes, and more.

Such things as serious health conditions like diabetes and hypertension are often first identified during an eye examination.

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What Does a Alamosa CO Comprehensive Eye Exam Involve?

Your optometrist will decide which tests are necessary based on your medical history.

Typically, a comprehensive eye exam includes the following assessments:

• Visual Acuity: Measures the sharpness of your vision, usually using an eye chart.
• Visual Fields Test: Detects any blind spots in your field of vision.
• Retinoscopy: Provides an estimate of your eyeglass prescription.
• Refraction: Determines your exact eyeglass prescription.
• Slit Lamp Examination: Identifies common eye diseases and conditions.
• Retinal Photo Screenings: Checks for signs of diabetic retinopathy.
• Tonometry: Measures eye pressure to test for glaucoma.
• Ophthalmoscopy: Examines the optic nerve, retina, and blood vessels.

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Frequency of Comprehensive Eye Exams

Most eye care professionals suggest annual eye exams, though the frequency may vary based on your age, risk factors, and whether you wear corrective lenses.

The American Optometric Association (AOA) advises that children have their eyes checked at 6 months, three years, at the start of school, and every two years until age 18.

For adults, the AOA recommends a comprehensive eye exam every two years from ages 18 to 60 and annual exams for those aged 61 and older.

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Are Contact Lens Exams Included?

A comprehensive eye exam usually does not include a contact lens fitting, so you may need to book a separate appointment for this.

Let us know when you schedule your appointment, and we'll ensure you receive the appropriate care.

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What To Expect at a Alamosa CO Eye Exam

Here’s what you can expect when you go for a comprehensive eye exam:

• Initial Discussion
  Your eye exam will typically start with a conversation about your medical history, current medications, and any vision issues you may be experiencing. Your optometrist will want to know about any family history of eye conditions, as this information can help in diagnosing potential problems.
• Visual Acuity Test
  This is the part of the exam where you’ll be asked to read letters on an eye chart. The goal is to measure how clearly you can see at various distances. This test helps determine if you need glasses or an update to your current prescription.
• Visual Fields Test
  To check for any blind spots or peripheral vision issues, your optometrist will conduct a visual fields test. This involves looking at a screen or into a machine and pressing a button whenever you see a light or object in your peripheral vision.
• Retinoscopy
  During retinoscopy, the optometrist will shine a light into your eyes and observe the reflection from your retina. This test provides a preliminary measurement of your eyeglass prescription.
• Refraction Test
  Using a device called a phoropter, your optometrist will show you a series of lens choices and ask which ones make your vision clearer. This helps pinpoint your exact eyeglass prescription.
• Slit Lamp Examination
  A slit lamp is a special microscope that allows the optometrist to examine the structures at the front of your eye, including the cornea, iris, and lens. This test can reveal a range of eye conditions, such as cataracts, corneal ulcers, and macular degeneration.
• Tonometry
  To test for glaucoma, your eye pressure will be measured using a device that either gently touches the surface of your eye or blows a small puff of air onto it. High eye pressure can be an indicator of glaucoma, a serious eye condition.
• Retinal Examination
  Also known as ophthalmoscopy, this part of the exam involves using a special lens and light to examine the back of your eye. The optometrist will look at your retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels to check for signs of conditions like diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.
• Pupil Dilation
  In some cases, your optometrist may use eye drops to dilate your pupils, allowing for a more detailed examination of the internal structures of your eye. This can make your eyes more sensitive to light for a few hours, so bring sunglasses if you anticipate needing this part of the exam.
• Personalized Advice
  At the end of the exam, your optometrist will discuss their findings with you. They will explain any changes in your vision, the health of your eyes, and any necessary treatments or lifestyle adjustments. If needed, you may be prescribed corrective lenses or referred to a specialist for further evaluation.

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By understanding what to expect during an eye exam, you can approach your appointment with confidence, knowing that you are taking an important step in maintaining your vision and overall eye health. Schedule a comprehensive eye exam at San Luis Valley Eye Care today.