Eye Exams in St. Petersburg, FL
A simple way to promote better eye health is to schedule regular eye exams. Regular exams allow the optometrist to monitor your vision and eye health, making it easier for issues to be identified and treated promptly before they develop into something more serious. Dr. Timothy Petito, the experienced optometrist at Petito Eyecare in St. Petersburg, FL, offers eye exams.
Purpose of Eye Exams
Eye exams help optometrists evaluate vision and eye health. Based on the results of the exam, the eye doctor can determine if corrective eyewear is needed, such as eyeglasses or contact lenses, or if a change is needed to an existing prescription. Eye exams also aid in the early detection of various eye and vision conditions. Additionally, regular eye exams can help prevent vision loss or slow its progression.
Eye and Vision Conditions
Eye exams help identify eye and vision conditions so they can be treated right away. If a problem is observed during an eye exam, additional tests might be needed to accurately diagnose the problem. Examples of eye and vision conditions that might be detected during an eye exam include:
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Eye infections
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Macular degeneration
- Blocked tear ducts
- Dry eye syndrome
- Astigmatism
- Presbyopia
What to Expect at an Eye Exam
Several tests are performed during an eye exam to check visual acuity, peripheral vision, depth perception, eye alignment, and more. Some of the tests that are utilized during standard eye exams at our office in St. Petersburg, FL, include:
- Visual field test
- Visual acuity test
- Tonometry glaucoma test
- Corneal topography
- Pupil response test
- Retinal evaluation
- Color vision test
- Slit-lamp exam
- Refraction
- Dilation
How Often Eye Exams Are Needed
Individuals who wear prescription contacts or eyeglasses should schedule an eye exam once every year, or more often if recommended by the optometrist. Adults in good health who do not need corrective eyewear should see an eye doctor every 2-3 years. Older adults might benefit by scheduling annual eye exams since vision and eye health can diminish with age.