Eye health checks
The checks behind the eye chart
Some eye changes cause no symptoms at first. Every comprehensive exam includes a look at the places where they show up, so we can see a change early and decide what to do about it.
Included in your exam, not a separate visit
Repeated at the interval your doctor sets
Explained to you in plain words, with the images
What we look at
Six places we check at every exam
Eye pressure
Measured at each exam. A raised pressure is one sign we watch for glaucoma.
The optic nerve
We look at the nerve at the back of the eye for changes in its shape and color, another sign we watch for glaucoma.
The macula
The center of the retina, the part you read with. We look for changes that can come with age.
The lens
Clouding of the lens, called a cataract, becomes more common with age. We look at it through a bright microscope and note any change.
Blood vessels in the retina
Changes in the small vessels can be a sign of diabetes or high blood pressure. With your permission, we send a note to your regular doctor.
The surface of the eye
Dry, irritated eyes are common with age and with screens. We look at the eyelids and the tear film and talk through what can help.
If something changes
What happens next
- 01
Step 1: We explain it
Your doctor shows you the image or the measurement, says what it means and what it does not.
- 02
Step 2: We keep track
A small change is measured again at a set interval, so a change over time is easy to see.
- 03
Step 3: We refer when needed
If you need care beyond what we do, such as a procedure, we refer you and send your records, and we stay in touch with that office.
- Sudden vision loss, flashes of light, a curtain over your vision, a chemical splash or an eye injury needs care now. Call our office right away or go to an emergency room. If you can't reach us, call 911.
Before you come
How it is billed
A health check that is part of a routine exam goes to your vision plan. A visit for a problem, or a follow-up on a change, goes to medical insurance.
How fees workWhat to bring
Your glasses and contact lens details
Your vision and medical insurance cards
A list of your medicines
Names of any other eye doctors you see
About the checks
Are these checks part of my regular exam?
Yes. A comprehensive exam includes them. If you come only for a glasses prescription, ask us what fits your age and health.
Why do you dilate my eyes?
Drops widen the pupil so the doctor can see more of the retina and the optic nerve. It is not needed at every visit, and she tells you why when she suggests it.
Will you tell my regular doctor what you find?
With your permission, yes. We send a note when something we find matters to your other care.
Questions about your eye health?
Book an exam and bring them with you, or call the office.