Routine eye exams, also known as comprehensive eye exams, involve various tests to evaluate vision and eye health. The exam usually takes about one hour, including the time for pupil dilation. The various tests check different aspects of eye health. Ophthalmologists or optometrists conduct exams that vary with the patient’s needs. 

Age-related Macular Degeneration

An eye disorder associated with aging, AMD results in damaged central vision. It affects the macula, the center part of the retina. There are two types of the disease, dry and wet AMD. Dry MD is the more common type, accounting for over 70% of the cases. Eye exams can detect the disease by looking for abnormal blood vessels.

Cataracts
 

A cataract is a condition characterized by a cloudy eye lens. It is a leading cause of blindness around the world. Cataracts can occur at any age but are more common as people age. Cataract removal surgery is widely available to prevent vision loss. Eye exams can detect signs of cataracts. Doctors often monitor the condition for several years before recommending surgery. 

Diabetic Retinopathy
 

Diabetic retinopathy is a common eye condition that affects people with diabetes. It is caused by damage to the retina blood vessels. The condition progresses through four stages. If untreated, it can lead to blindness. Regular diabetic eye exams check the retina for signs of blockage in the vessels. Managing diabetes helps reduce the risk of retinopathy. 

Glaucoma
 

Glaucoma is a severe eye disease that can lead to vision loss or blindness. The eyesight-stealing disease does not have symptoms in the early stages, making it easy to miss. Eye exams are the only way to know if you have glaucoma. Tests that measure the eye fluid pressure to detect signs of glaucoma include tonometry and ophthalmoscopy.  

Refractive Errors 

When an individual does not see clearly, it may be due to a refractive error. It is the condition where the person does not have a 20/20 vision. Common eye disorders involve the inability to focus clearly on images resulting in blurry vision. 

A retinoscopy helps measure the refractive error. A severe error can cause visual impairment. Types of refractive errors include myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia. Vision correction helps improve eyesight.

Amblyopia and Strabismus
 

Eye specialists recommend eye exams throughout an individual’s life, beginning in childhood. Pediatric eye exams help check for conditions such as amblyopia and strabismus. Amblyopia (lazy eye) is the most common cause of eyesight impairment in children. 

It occurs when the eyes and brain fail to work together properly. Strabismus (crossed eyes) occurs when each eye focuses on a different object. The child’s brain can suppress the image in one eye, but in adults, misalignment can lead to double vision. 

Regular eye exams can detect and correct eye conditions early to prevent long-term vision loss. Eye exams can detect optic nerve conditions, such as optic neuritis, ischemic optic disease, optic nerve damage, and retinal detachment. Exams can also detect health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, brain tumors, aneurysms, and various cancers. 

For more on the eye diseases eye exams can detect, visit Westchester Eyes at our Yonkers, New York office. Call (914) 586-3937 to schedule an appointment today.