Lakeland Eye Exams

It is crucial that we all have an eye examination routinely at an eyecare center. This is more vital for kids. Kids must have an eye examination from as young as 6 months. At the ages of 3 and 6 their eyes should be examined again. Regular eye exams are especially important when your kid begins school. If you suspect your son or daughter might have an eye problem, do not think twice – get an eye examination at our Lakeland optometry done as quickly as one is available.

Premature babies frequently develop vision problems as they grow, so their eyes have to be checked more than a youngster with regular sight. Youngsters with a family history of eye issues are likewise at risk of genetic vision problems, and they too have to have more frequent eye checkups.

In adults, the frequency of eye examinations will differ according to age. Adults older than 40 years with normal eyesight ought to have an eye examination every 2 or 3 years. But those who already have glasses or contacts require an eye check up every year.

People with high blood pressure or diabetes should certainly receive an vision examination every year. Persons over 40 need to have their eyes evaluated every two years, while those over 60 years of age should go once a year for an eye evaluation. Individuals older than 60 years can be susceptible to presbyopia, Macular Degeneration and cataracts. The eye doctors in our Lakeland office are waiting to diagnose and treat eye problems.

When deciding on where to go for your vision tests, you have three choices: an eye doctor, an optometrist or an optician. An ophthalmologist is qualified to do surgical procedures. An optometrist is qualified to recommend medications and has the ability to perform specific surgeries. An optician is limited to completing eye exams and carrying out maintenance and repairs to glasses or contacts.

A regular vision examination at our Lakeland office comprises of the following: details of your family’s eye history, near and far sight testing, eye co-ordination, as well as an external and internal inspection of both eyes. If you currently wear contacts or glasses, these will also be examined. The expense for an eye examination can generally be covered by your medical insurance coverage.

Similar to other organs of your body, your eyes ought to be looked after carefully. To keep healthy eyes, you need to eat an ample amount of fresh fruit and vegetables. Take vitamin and mineral supplements. If your eyes are starved of Vitamin A, you could get night blindness. When going outdoors in bright sunshine, wear sunglasses that have high UV defense.

Cigarette smoking is extremely bad for your eyes. People who smoke greatly for an extended period of time are susceptible to macular degeneration (blind spot on the eye) as well as complete loss of sight. If you are a smoker, it’s time to begin thinking of stopping.

Children. Some experts estimate that approximately 5% to 10% of pre-schoolers and 25% of school-aged children have vision problems. According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), all children should have their eyes examined at 6 months of age, at age 3 and again at the start of school. Children without vision problems or risk factors for eye or vision problems should then continue to have their eyes examined at least every two years throughout school.

Children with existing vision problems or risk factors should have their eyes examined more frequently. Common risk factors for vision problems include:

• premature birth
• developmental delays
• turned or crossed eyes
• family history of eye disease
• history of eye injury
• other physical illness or disease

The AOA recommends that children who wear eyeglasses or contact lenses should have their eyes examined at least every 12 months or according to their eye doctor’s instructions.

Adults. The AOA also recommends an annual eye exam for any adult who wears eyeglasses or contacts. If you don’t normally need vision correction, you still need an eye exam every two to three years up to the age of 40, depending on your rate of visual change and overall health. Doctors often recommend more frequent examinations for adults with diabetes, high blood pressure and other disorders, because many diseases can have an impact on vision and eye health.

If you are over 40, it’s a good idea to have your eyes examined every one to two years to check for common age-related eye problems such as presbyopia, cataracts and macular degeneration.

Because the risk of eye disease continues to increase with advancing age, everyone over the age of 60 should be examined annually.

Who should I see for my eye exam?

There are two kinds of eye doctors – ophthalmologists and optometrists. Who you should see depends on your needs and preferences.

Optometrists (ODs) are eye doctors who can prescribe glasses and contacts and treat medical conditions of the eye with eye drops and other medicines. They are not licensed to perform eye surgery. Optometrists generally receive four or more years of training after college.

How much does an eye exam cost?

Eye exams are available in many settings, from discount optical stores to surgical offices, so the fees can vary widely. Additionally, fees can vary depending upon whether the exam is performed by an optometrist or an ophthalmologist, and the type of services that are included in the exam.

Generally speaking, contact lens exams cost more than regular eye exams. Likewise, an additional or higher fee may be charged for specialized services such as laser vision correction evaluations.

Many insurance plans cover at least a portion of eye exam services. Check to see what your benefits are and which eye doctors in your area participate in your plan before you make an appointment. Then be sure to give your eye doctor’s office your insurance information to verify coverage.

What information should I take with me to my eye exam?

It’s important to have some basic information ready at the time of your eye examination. Bring the following items to your exam:

• All eyeglasses and contact lenses you routinely use, including reading glasses.
• A list of any medications you take (including dosages).
• A list of any nutritional supplements you take (including dosages).
• A list of questions to ask the doctor, especially if you are interested in contact lenses or laser vision correction surgery.

Finally, also bring your medical or vision insurance card if you will be using it for a portion of your fees.

For more information on eye exams, visit All About Vision®.