Address: 380 Pleasant Street, Suite 16, Malden MA 02148 Tel: 781-870-0523
personalized solution for your eyes
At Eminent Eye Care, 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 optometrist. By diagnosing eye and vision conditions early on, our optometrist is able 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
During an eye exam, Dr. Lu will ask you questions about any symptoms or issues you are experiencing, medications your 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. Dr.Lu will consider this information when determining any treatments or recommendations.
Vision Testing
Regular vision testing and evaluations ensure that you always have the clearest vision possible. Dr. Lu 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, Dr. Lu may prescribe corrective glasses, contacts, or eye exercises.
Eye Function Testing
In addition to vision testing, an eye exam in our office includes testing eye functionality. Our optometrist 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 Dr.Lu to diagnose any underlying conditions that may be impairing the eyes ability to focus or work together.
Eye Health
As part of a comprehensive eye exam, Dr. Lu examines the overall health of the eye through a visual examination and tonometry. evaluates eye health by visually inspecting the eye and eyelids using magnification and a bright light. To examine the internal structures of the eye, we 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, Dr.Lu reviews the results and discusses any necessary treatment options with you.
Why Do I Need a Routine Eye Exam?
Although it is obvious why vision is essential to everyday living, many people in society today do not give much thought to the actual health of their eyes. One could argue that people take their eyes and eyesight for granted. The truth is that many vision-threatening eye conditions and diseases can exist without a person being aware until irreversible damage has been done. These diseases include amblyopia (a “lazy eye”) in children as well as glaucoma and macular degeneration in adults. Furthermore, serious underlying medical conditions and diseases can be initially diagnosed simply by examining one’s eyes. These diseases include: diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), multiple sclerosis, brain tumors, strokes, Lyme disease, lupus, sarcoidosis, various forms of arthritis and tuberculosis among others. It is for these reasons routine eye exams should be part of every person’s regular health check-ups. Due to this fact, most health insurance plans now include routine eye exams in their benefits.
It is astounding to realize that most people place a higher importance on their teeth than they do their eyes. Most people get their teeth checked and cleaned twice a year. In many instances, these same people do not feel as though their eyes need to be checked stating “my eyes are fine”. One can be under a false “sense of security” due to the fact that many eyes diseases are initially without any obvious symptoms. The plain truth is that there is no more important sense than one’s vision. It is for this reason, we make the following recommendations regarding how often to have routine eye exams performed:
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Before age 5: A comprehensive routine eye exam should be performed before a child starts kindergarten
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First eye exam should be performed within 18 months of birth. Eye turn and early onset eye diseases could affect children vision and eye health. Early detection and intervention can save eyes and achieve more favorable long term prognosis.
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Ages 5 to 18: A comprehensive routine eye exam should be performed every 12 months. That is due to the fact myopia can occur or progress fast without kids' awareness. A follow up visit in a few months is strongly recommended for first time nearsightedness eye glasses wearer. Myopia progression will only stop when young children fully understand what cause myopia and take actions to make change of their visual habits.
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Over ages 18 : A comprehensive routine eye exam should be performed every 12 to 24 mos. If a person has nearsightedness, then eye exam every 12 months is strongly recommended. Clinical observation shows myopia progression can continue even after ages 30.
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Please remember these recommendations are for routine eye exams. Should a person have an eye problem or be at higher risk for eye-related diseases, more frequent evaluations will be recommended. For example, people with diabetes should have a comprehensive eye exam at least every 12 months.
Don’t let you or your family be robbed of precious vision. Protect your sight!
Contact us at (781-870-0177) today to schedule a comprehensive eye exam.