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Routine Eye Exams

Vision Testing in Thorndale and Berwyn

Routine eye exams are key to maintaining eye health and mitigating vision health concerns. Regular screenings also catch eye diseases in their early stages.

Recognizing eye diseases early on can prevent vision damage from occurring and help your eye doctor to create an effective treatment plan for you. 

Unfortunately, there are many eye problems that can develop without any symptoms. In most cases, symptoms won’t show up until they’re in advanced stages. The sooner an eye doctor can check your eyes, the more treatment options you’ll have available.

Here’s what you need to know about your next eye care visit, along with recommendations to keep your vision healthy.

Which type of eye doctor in Thorndale or Berwyn should I see for my care?

We have two types of eye doctors you can visit at Eye Doctors of Chester County and Focus Eye Group:

Because we have both types of doctors at our practices, our doctors can take care of all your eye needs in one place. We work to prevent, detect and treat eye issues. We specialize in cataract treatment options.

How often should I have vision exams?

Should Children Have Eye Exams?

It’s never too early to start taking care of your child’s eyes. Young eyes grow and change rapidly until the end of adolescence.

Newborns should be screened soon after birth with a second screening between 6 months and their first birthday.  Both of these screenings can be done by a pediatrician or family doctor. 

Further screenings by the pediatrician and/or through a school screening should happen at three years of age and when they start school.  If a problem is suspected, the child should be referred to an ophthalmologist for a comprehensive exam

Adult Routine & Comprehensive Eye Exams

Starting at the age of 20, adults should also come in every two to four years for an eye exam.  Every adult should get a comprehensive eye exam at 40 years old to detect early signs of disease.

 You should come in sooner if you suspect any vision issues.

If you have refractive errors, Focus Eye Group can fit you with glasses, contact lenses or discuss refractive surgery.  For any detected eye diseases, we’ll also recommend a range of treatment options suitable for you.

 Should Seniors Have Eye Exams?

 Seniors should have their eyes checked either every year, or every other year. This number may change depending on what your eye doctor recommends for you. Vision exams are an important way to detect conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.

If cataracts are already bothering you, contact us to discuss your choices. We specialize in providing treatment options for those suffering from cataracts.

What is done in a routine eye exam in Thorndale or Berwyn?

You will be asked to provide a complete medical history including all medications you take. The clinical staff will also perform a visual acuity test to see if you have 20/20 vision. If necessary, the doctors prescribe corrective lenses.

We’ll also check your eye pressure, eye movement, side vision and pupils. To see the back of your retina, we may use dilating eye drops.

Based on your results and vision concerns, we may perform more specialized tests.

What is the difference between a routine eye exam and a comprehensive eye exam?

A routine eye exam in Thorndale or Berwyn can take at least 60 minutes. These exams are dilated and will give our doctors time to evaluate for any potential diseases and address any vision problems. If necessary, a glasses prescription will be generated from the testing done during this visit.

Routine eye exams can be done on a yearly basis or every two years, based on doctor recommendation.

A comprehensive medical eye exam can take at least 90 minutes. These exams are dilated and often include some type of testing. These exams give the doctor more time to assess and monitor any previously diagnosed diseases, while also allowing time to discuss any new diagnoses that need addressed.

Comprehensive medical exams are done on a yearly, or sometimes more frequent, basis depending on your individual diagnosis.

What can eye exams reveal?

A variety of diseases and problems can be detected by an eye exam at our offices. This doesn’t only relate to the eyes! Some of the most common issues our doctors can see by checking your eyes include:

How Should I Prepare for My Eye Exam?

  • Am I experiencing any eye problems like poor night vision or double vision?
  • Do I have a family history of eye problems like cataracts or glaucoma?
  • If I wear contacts, do I take them out every night and clean them?
  • Do I have any health issues, sicknesses, operations or injuries I should mention to my doctor?
  • Don’t have a late-night work session on the computer. Try to rest your eyes the day before instead.
  • Don’t drink too much alcohol because it can dilate blood vessels in your eyes.
  • Your prescription eyewear
  • Names of medications you’re taking
  • Your vision and health insurance card
  • Are there any changes in my eyes since my last visit?
  • Did you notice any concerns?
  • What are my options to improve my vision?
  • Can we schedule my next visit now?

Routine Eye Exams & Eye Care Services in Thorndale & Berwyn, PA

Wondering where to go for routine eye care services? Searching for your next eye doctor?

Focus Eye Group has been providing the best in eye care since 1977! Schedule an appointment with us in Thorndale or Berwyn, PA today!