Keep an Eye on Your Vision Health

Can you remember the last time you had an eye exam? And I don’t mean just reading letters off a chart. I mean a full, comprehensive eye exam with dilation and bright lights. If you can’t remember the last time, then it’s time to schedule an appointment. Here’s why:

1. Eyeglasses or contact lenses improve vision, but they can also help depth perception, eye strain, eye fatigue, and eye alignment.
2. Your eye doctor can screen for common eye conditions/diseases like dry eyes, cataracts, glaucoma, or age-related macular degeneration.
3. Your eye doctor will monitor your eyes for changes related to diabetes and high blood pressure.

For adults aged 18-64 without any personal ocular or medical history and without family ocular history, the American Optometric Association recommends an eye exam every 2 years (unless otherwise specified by your eye doctor). For adults aged 65 or older, an eye exam is recommended annually. 

What to expect at your eye exam:

1. A full personal history will be taken, including visual, ocular, and general health. Be sure to bring your medication list with you.
2. Your vision will be checked, so bring in any glasses or contact lenses you currently wear.
3. Your eyeglass prescription and/or contact lens prescription* will be updated.
4. Your eye health will be examined with or without eye dilation, as necessary.

At the end of your eye exam, the eye doctor should review your visual and ocular health status. A copy of your eyeglass and/or contact lens prescription* will be given to you. Any findings should be mentioned and explained. If necessary, treatment options should be discussed. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask.

For patients with low vision or specialty contact lens needs, the Optical Shop at University Medical Center will also offer these examinations, expected to start in March 2019. For your initial visit, please remember to bring

For low vision patients:

1. A list of your visual goals
2. Any past or current low vision devices (like magnifiers, telescopes or eyeglasses)
3. A detailed history of your visual impairment or vision loss (data from previous eye exams, the current state of your eye condition/disease)

For specialty contact lens patients:

1. Any past or current specialty contact lenses (like rigid gas permeable or scleral lenses)
2. Data from any previous eye exams that outline your eye condition

If you’re experiencing any eye pain, flashes of lights, new floaters, or an eye injury, do not wait. Call the eye care provider’s office to be seen the same day.

There’s so much more to your eyes than just clear vision. Schedule an eye appointment today and establish care with your eye doctor.

1. AOA Evidence-based Clinical Practice Guideline Comprehensive Adult Eye & Vision Examination 2015

*Same-day release of a contact lens prescription is dependent on if the patient is established with the eye care provider and if the lens type has not changed. New patients and new contact lens wearers will be seen for a 1-week contact lens follow-up to ensure proper fit, comfort, and vision. If the lens is a good fit, the contact lens prescription will be released at that visit.

About Dr. Ta

Dr. Ta is a New Iberia native who received her undergraduate degree from LSU and doctorate from the Southern College of Optometry. For appointments, call 504-702-EYES (3937)