The doctors at Atlanta Vision Cataract & Laser Center, located in Atlanta, Georgia, offer comprehensive vision and eye exams to patients from throughout the communities of Atlanta, College Park, East Point, and Hapeville.
Why Should I Have an Annual Vision Exam?
At Atlanta Vision Cataract & Laser Center, we strive to provide comprehensive, primary eye care for the whole family. Preventative and routine eye exams are important to maintaining good eye health. Often, eye and vision problems do not have obvious symptoms or signs but are easily diagnosed by a licensed medically trained optometrist. By diagnosing eye and vision conditions early on, Dr. Leonard Achiron or Dr. David O’Day is able to provide treatment options and in many cases restore or prevent vision loss. The American Optometric Association recommends yearly or bi-yearly eye and vision exams, depending on whether you are at-risk or not.
Eye Exam and Consultation Details
During an eye exam, the optometrist will ask you questions about any symptoms or issues you are experiencing, medications you are currently taking, any blurry vision, your work environment, and your overall health. Family history and previous eye or vision conditions will also be discussed during this part of the examination. Your optometrist will consider this information when determining any treatments or recommendations.
Visual Acuity
Regular vision testing and evaluations ensure that you always have the clearest vision possible. Our Atlanta optometrist provides regular vision acuity testing as part of a comprehensive eye exam. They will measure how each eye is seeing by using a wall eye chart and a reading eye chart. The results of these tests are portrayed as a fraction, with 20/20 being the standard for normal distance and reading vision. Depending on the results of your vision test, your optometrist may prescribe corrective glasses, contacts, or eye exercises.
Eye Functionality
In addition to vision testing, an eye exam in our Atlanta, GA office includes testing eye functionality. One of our optometrists performs several tests to evaluate depth perception, color vision, eye muscle capabilities, peripheral vision, and responsiveness to light. Several other simple tests are completed to determine whether the eyes are focusing, moving, and working together properly. The test results enable your optometrist to diagnose any underlying conditions that may be impairing the eyes ability to focus or work together.
Overall Eye Health
As part of a comprehensive eye exam, our Atlanta eye doctors examine the overall health of the eye through a visual examination and tonometry. They evaluate eye health by visually inspecting the eye and eyelids using magnification and a bright light. To examine the internal structures of the eye, they may dilate the pupils. Increased eye pressure may be an indicator of glaucoma, so we utilize tonometry to measure eye pressure. After completing these short tests, they review the results and will discuss any needed treatments with you.
Eye Exams without Eye Dilation
One of the many complaints patients have is about having to have their eyes dilated. The Atlanta Vision Cataract & Laser Center uses the new Optos technology. Now the doctors are able to perform retinal exams in less than a second without dilation. The Optos retinal scanner uses two lasers of different wavelengths and a mirror to take a scan of the back of the eye, or retina, through the undilated iris. The optometrists can see nearly the whole retina at once, compared with just a small piece of it at a time using traditional methods.
Benefits of Eye Exams for Seniors
Regular eye exams in Atlanta are critical to preserving vision as you age. One of the earliest vision problems adults face as they get older is presbyopia, the natural loss of crisp near vision around age 40. Presbyopia occurs because the eye’s lens hardens and becomes rigid, making it challenging to adjust to different focal distances. Aging adults may also experience a loss of contrast sensitivity which is not as noticeable as presbyopia. Decreased contrast in vision and glare sensitivity can make it difficult to drive safely at night or in poor weather and may put you at risk of a car accident due to vision issues.
Age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and cataracts are eye diseases that primarily affect people 65 and older. This is why seniors need more frequent eye exams than their younger counterparts. Some variations of these conditions can cause vision loss quickly, such as wet macular degeneration or closed-angle glaucoma, making timely diagnosis and treatment imperative.
Our eye doctors in Atlanta look for signs of eye diseases, presbyopia and other vision changes caused by getting older during routine examinations.
In addition to eye problems, sometimes an ophthalmologist can identify signs of a larger health problem, such as diabetes or stroke, from changes inside the eye. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends seniors have an eye exam every one to two years, depending on their family history and ocular health.
Why Choose Atlanta Vision Cataract & Laser Center For an Eye Exam?
Atlanta Vision Cataract & Laser Center is one of only two vision practices in Atlanta to have this new technology. It was a big investment, but it makes Atlanta Vision Center very efficient as a practice. A technician can do the retina scan with the patient, and then when they come to see the doctor they can view a high-resolution image on a computer in front of the patient.
From this image, the doctor is able to see tiny changes in blood flow, tumors or problems such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, retinal tears or detachments, and save them for later comparison.
Eye Exams FAQ
How Long Will My Eyes Be Dilated After an Eye Exam?
Dilating eye drops give eye doctors a better view of the inside of your eyes. The liquid prevents the pupil from getting smaller when our eye doctors shine a light into the eyes, and it takes about 20 to 30 minutes to take full effect. Vision may be blurry, and you could have difficulty focusing on nearby objects and experience sensitivity to bright lights.
Bring sunglasses with you to ease discomfort after your eye exam, as your eyes will dilate for several hours. How long the eyes remain dilated depends on the type of eye drops used and your unique reaction. It’s best to arrange for someone else to drive you home to avoid putting yourself in harm’s way.
What If an Eye Disease is Discovered During My Eye Exam?
The Atlanta Vision Laser and Cataract Center offers treatment for most eye diseases and conditions, including corneal transplants for keratoconus and other diagnoses. If one of our ophthalmologists identifies signs of eye disease or another significant issue, they will confirm the diagnosis and recommend a series of steps moving forward.
These may include rapid treatment in cases of glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy or a conversation about cataract surgery to restore your vision. Sometimes vision loss can’t be repaired, making it crucial to begin treatment immediately to save your remaining eyesight.
How Often Do I Need an Eye Exam?
The frequency of your eye exams depends on your ocular health, medical history, age and vision. Children should be seen before they turn five to avoid learning difficulties caused by poor vision. Kids and teenagers with refractive errors should have an eye exam annually for prescription changes. The AAO recommends adults in their 20s have a comprehensive eye exam, with two more exams in their 30s. However, these visits occur more often if you have prescription contact lenses or eyeglasses.
Comprehensive eye exams are recommended more frequently once you turn 40, with an appointment every two to four years through age 54. Adults ages 55 to 64 should have a comprehensive eye exam every one to three years, whereas those 65 and older need one every one to two years.
These are general recommendations. If you have a family history of eye diseases or experience vision changes, eye exams are necessary more often.