We all know that good vision is important to your overall health, which is why we encourage patients to get an eye examination every year. Regardless of whether you need glasses or corrective lenses, a comprehensive eye exam can determine if a different prescription would benefit your vision or whether there are any underlying conditions that need to be addressed.
At Nevada Eye Physicians, we use a wide variety of tests to examine the eyes and make sure they are functioning as they should. If it has been a year or more since your last exam, now is the perfect time to get started. Learn more by scheduling your next visit to one of our convenient locations in Las Vegas, Mesquite, Henderson, Boulder City, or Pahrump, NV.
The basics of an eye exam
An eye exam is a series of tests that help us fully understand your eye health. Although it is recommended that patients receive an eye test at least every 1 – 2 years, older individuals or patients with certain conditions may need to go more frequently. Dilating the eyes is a common practice during an examination to look at the internal structures such as the optic nerve and retina. With a little preparation, an eye examination at our clinic should be a simple and straightforward process.
At the beginning of the appointment, you will be introduced to your physician at Nevada Eye Physicians, who may ask for your medical history and family history of eye problems. This is because some eye conditions can be genetic, such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and cataracts. If you are predisposed to a certain disease because of a family member, you and your doctor can take preventive steps to save your eyesight.
What happens at an eye exam?
If you are wondering what happens at an eye exam, it depends on your last eye exam results and whether you have any specific complaints. We may check things such as your peripheral vision, eye movement, and how your pupils react to light. It is also important to also check the fluid pressure inside the eye, evaluating a person’s risk for glaucoma. Your physician may use a medical device that blows a small puff of air onto your eye to perform this eye test. Dilating eyes also allows us to get a better view of the back of the eye.
Dilating eyes causes the pupils to become enlarged, so patients will experience increased sensitivity to light for a short amount of time after the eye test. You may have difficulty seeing objects up close (such as your cell phone) while the dilation wears off. For this reason, you may want to bring a pair of your favorite sunglasses to the office, especially if it is a sunny day. You will be glad to have extra protection from the sun. Based on the eye exam results, a friendly member of our team may schedule you for follow-up appointments as needed.
How long does an eye exam take?
An eye examination can be completed in about 30 minutes at Nevada Eye Physicians, whether you are visiting Las Vegas, NV or one of our other locations. At the end of the appointment, you and your doctor will discuss the eye exam results, including an assessment of your vision and risk for certain eye diseases. We may offer some insight and advice so you can take steps to protect your eyes from further damage.
Since dilating eyes is an important part of the exam, keep in mind that the effects may last for 4 – 6 hours for most people. Contact your optometrist right away if you notice any sudden changes in your vision, or if you are experiencing any concerns with your eyes. This includes blurry, cloudy, or dim vision, problems seeing at night, tunnel vision, or loss of peripheral vision. We need to assist you right away, so do not wait until your next scheduled eye examination for a test.
Schedule your next eye exam
Nevada Eye Physicians specializes in comprehensive eye care. Our philosophy is to offer quality services through modern technology and personalized attention. We understand the importance of eye health, which is why we provide a wide variety of treatment options for conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration for improved sight and quality of life. If you would like to learn more about what happens at an eye exam, contact a member of our team in Las Vegas, Mesquite, Henderson, Boulder City, or Pahrump, NV for a consultation.
