Optometrists Take a Look

A Variety Of Eye Care Services Provided By An Optometry Clinic

Optometrists provide a wide variety of eye care services for patients. Many come in for a routine yearly exam and vision test. The checkup verifies that their eyes remain healthy, while the vision test determines whether they need a new or different prescription for corrective lenses. People rely on eye doctors to help them see clearly with glasses or contact lenses. 

The Eye Exam

During the exam, an optometrist performs evaluations to learn whether patients have developed any eye diseases. The doctor checks for glaucoma and cataracts. Dilating the pupils with special drops allows the optometrist to examine the interior of the eye behind the iris. If any problems are found during the examination, the patient is referred to a specialty medical doctor known as an ophthalmologist.

The Vision Test

Testing the patient's vision determines whether this individual can see clearly far away and up close. Peripheral vision is evaluated, and the optometrist tests for astigmatism as well. That irregularity in the eye's curve can cause a certain amount of vision blurriness.

Glasses

People are sometimes diagnosed with myopia, commonly called nearsightedness, before they reach adulthood. During those younger years, patients might need an annual prescription change. Later, vision ability tends to become more stable. Men and women might need an updated prescription every few years or even longer. Patients might be ready for new glasses before that so they can keep up with current trends. 

Contact Lenses

When someone first decides to wear contacts, an optician at the optometry clinic helps the patient practice inserting and removing the devices. Opticians also instruct patients on how to properly care for these lenses. If the contacts are not daily disposable products, keeping them clean is imperative to prevent not only discomfort but infections.

Most individuals select soft lenses, but rigid gas permeable products also are available. Soft lenses tend to be more comfortable, but people with dry eye problems often find RGP lenses to be better. That's because the others absorb tears to stay soft and maintain the shape. An optometrist can provide advice on which products are best for each patient. The clinic provides professional cleaning services for patients whose RGP lenses develop stubborn protein deposits over time.

Anyone who wants to wear contacts typically has a pair of glasses too. That way, their eyes can get a rest instead of having the lenses in all the time. 

People who have not been to an eye care clinic in some years should schedule an appointment for a checkup and vision test at their earliest convenience.


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