The eyes are important organs that process visual images and gauge the distance of objects. Leading a healthy lifestyle can keep your eyes functioning well into your retirement years. Regrettably, most people don’t start thinking about proper eye health until they experience a change in their eyesight. At Nevada Eye Physicians, with eight locations in Las Vegas, Henderson, Boulder City, Mesquite, and Pahrump, NV, our expert staff encourages patients to get eye examinations on a regular basis. Since some eye diseases can lead to vision loss, it is important to identify and treat potential issues as early as possible. Learn why eye exams are an essential part of your overall wellness by scheduling an appointment at our office.
Importance of eye exams
Just like any other part of the body, the eyes are prone to aging and damage. One of the most important reasons for getting an eye exam is that many conditions are capable of impairing your vision, such as glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration. Unfortunately, these eye diseases show minimal or no symptoms until the damage is already done. This means that early detection is critical to saving your vision. Our eye care professionals offer comprehensive exams to evaluate the functionality of the eye and determine if a patient needs treatment moving forward.
During an eye examination, eye doctors have a clear view of blood vessels and the optic nerve. Regardless of age or physical health, this allows us to identify early signs of eye conditions before they cause vision loss. Even if you are not experiencing any unusual symptoms at the moment, it is still important to schedule routine exams. We recommend receiving an exam at least once every year, but as you age, appointments may need to be more frequent. If you experience any of the following problems, do not wait for your next examination to visit your eye doctor, as these could be an indication of something more serious:
- A sudden change in vision
- Frequent headaches, eye strain, or blurred vision
- Continuously red, itchy, or dry eyes
- Inability to read or see street signs while driving
- Motion sickness, dizziness, or trouble following a moving object
Vision tests at your eye exam
Nevada Eye Physicians offers different types of vision tests to learn whether there are any signs of an eye disease that may need further study. When you arrive for your appointment, your physician will choose tests based on your medical background, family history of eye disease, and whether you are currently experiencing any symptoms. Before administering each test, our staff will explain how it works and what you can expect.
- Amsler grid test: Used to detect age-related macular degeneration, the Amsler grid is a chart containing lines and one dot at the center. To take this test, patients cover one eye and peer at the dot in the middle of the grid. If any area begins to look distorted, wavy, or blank, notify your eye care physician.
- Visual field test: This vision test detects blind spots and determines the full range and sensitivity of the vision. It may also reveal the presence of certain eye conditions, including glaucoma. To complete this test, a physician may shine a light into the patient’s field of vision.
- Visual acuity: This exam dictates how well a patient sees the details of letters or symbols from a certain distance using a chart. The letters are usually arranged in different sizes, and laid out in rows and columns.
- Keratometry: By measuring the curvature of the cornea, an eye doctor can determine the proper fit for contact lenses. A keratometry test involves shining a light into the cornea and measuring the reflection.
- Refraction: This can detect issues such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism with a refraction test. It also ensures that patients get the right prescription for their corrective lenses.
One of the reasons we stress the importance of eye exams is to catch and treat certain conditions early on. If we discover an issue during the exam, Nevada Eye Physicians will create a personalized treatment that may include medications, eye drops, or laser surgery. Our staff may also schedule follow-up appointments as necessary for further analysis and recommendations.
Schedule your eye appointment today
It’s easy to assume our eyes will always be healthy. Instead, patients should learn about the importance of regular eye exams to stay on top of their vision and eye health. Using innovative techniques and state-of-the-art technology, the professionals at Nevada Eye Physicians can evaluate you for certain eye diseases and make sure your vision is clear for years to come.
Each of our facilities has modern equipment to provide accurate and efficient testing for patients. Our doctors and staff participate in frequent training to stay up to date on the latest treatment options available. When you are ready to take the next step in improving your eye health, schedule an eye examination or vision test at any of our convenient locations in Las Vegas, Henderson, Boulder City, Mesquite, and Pahrump, NV.
