Your Eye Exam

A typical eye exam takes about 30 minutes. During that time our staff will perform several tests to assess your vision and make sure your eyes are healthy.

It’s best to have your eyes examined once a year. Regular eye exams help us detect potential problems and prescribe treatment to prevent vision loss. Patients with specific problems may need to be examined more frequently. We will help you develop the eye exam schedule that’s best for you.

Your children should have their first eye exams at about 6 months. A follow-up exam at age 3 (when the child’s visual system is developing and changing rapidly) is recommended and again just before starting school. After the pre-school exam, children’s eyes should be examined every two years, or more often if there is a vision or eye health problem.

Your eye exam includes:

• Medical history
• Refraction & visual acuity test
• Binocular evaluation
• Eye health
• Diagnosis & treatment

Your Medical History

Your overall health has an effect on your vision!

For this reason, Salazar Eyecare asks questions about your general health as well as any vision or eye health problems you have now or have had in the past. You may also be asked about any family medical history that may have an impact on your own eye health.

During the medical history phase of your eye exam, be sure to tell us about any vision problems you are having. Bring a list of any medications you are taking, since some medicines can affect your vision or the health of your eyes.

The Refraction and Visual Acuity Test

The refraction test determines the extent, if any, of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It also helps to determine the proper prescription for glasses and contact lenses if you need them.

We use a device called a retinoscope to shine a light into your eye. The instrument allows us to measure the movement of the light that reflects on the retina.

You have probably seen pictures of an eye chart with a large letter "E"at the top. This is called a Snellen chart. It's used to test how well you see with each eye separately and with both eyes. You will also look through an instrument that resembles a large pair of binoculars. Lenses of different strengths are placed before your eyes until you can see the chart as clearly as possible. The final combination of lenses that give you the clearest vision determines your eyeglass or contact lens prescription.

You may have drops placed in your eyes to dilate your pupils. This is done to provide a more accurate vision test in some individuals.

Binocular Evaluation

This vision test is used to find out how well your eyes work together. Your eyes must coordinate properly to give you accurate depth perception.

You will be asked to follow (with your eyes) a moving object or light without moving your head.

Eye Health

During your exam, the doctor will use an instrument called an opthalmoscope that allows him to look at the retina and the optic nerve in the back of your eye. He will also examine the eyelids, pupils, cornea, and lens of each eye. If appropriate, he will test your eyes for glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The results of your eye exam will tell the doctor if you need corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) and whether there are any conditions that need treatment. You will receive a prescription for your lenses that can be filled right here at Salazar Eyecare. You may also get a prescription for medication if you have eye health problems.

At Salazar Eyecare, your family's vision is our top priority!

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