What To Expect

What to Expect During an Exam

Our doctors are committed to providing you with the most effective and efficient eye care available, making certain to provide thorough exam services, treatments and recommendations.

During the exam, numerous instruments and tools will be used to help evaluate your vision and eye health.

Refractor—to determine your prescription
Slit Lamp—to look into the back of the eye for retinal problems
Tonometer—to determine intraocular pressure ( if it's high, this may be an early sign of glaucoma).

Receptionist, Vision Care in Keene, NH

Additionally, an Optomap Image or Dilation Drops may be employed to check the health of the retina, specifically checking for refractive errors in the eye:

Myopia or Nearsightedness—Affecting Some 25% of the Population
Hyperopia or Farsightedness—a Common Childhood Ailment
Astigmatism—an Uneven Curvature of the Cornea That Causes Visual Distortion
Presbyopia—an Age-Related Loss of Accommodation, Often Requiring Bifocals, Coming on Between the Ages of 38-45

In addition to determining your prescription, the doctor will check the health of your eye for the following common eye problems:

Cataracts (loss of clarity of the lens inside the eye
Estimated to affect 42% of individuals between the ages of 52-64 years, only about 5% of these people actually suffer significant loss of vision. Nearly everyone develops some degree of cataracts by age 75-85 years of age, due to exposure to the sun/environment. Cataracts, if caught early are surgically removed, generally as an outpatient with outstanding results.

Glaucoma (loss of vision, beginning in the peripheral vision)
Often referred to as 'the silent vision thief,' glaucoma can sneak in without noticeable signs or symptoms. If caught early enough, the pressure in the eye can be regulated with medication or surgery to prevent complete vision loss.

Macular Degeneration (loss of central and fine, up close vision)
The leading cause of blindness in the US, the progression of this disease can be slowed, but as of yet has no cure. To prevent total loss of vision early detection, through regular retinal exams, is paramount.

Additional Information
There are various corneal diseases, retinal diseases and other conditions which result in loss of vision, as well as diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure which can be discovered by examining the back of the eyes. Side effects of certain drugs and medications may also be observed during eye examinations—one of the reasons it is important to provide your paraprofessionals with complete histories and medication lists. Early detection is the key factor in treatment and sight preservation.