When should I see an optometrist?

Whether you are visiting an optometrist for a routine eye exam or a new eye prescription, optometrists are there to help. Having good vision is a crucial part of your everyday health, and it’s important to know when and why you should visit an optometrist. 

It’s recommended to visit an optometrist on a yearly basis to be sure your eyes are healthy and that there are no underlying issues. This is especially critical for people who have an eye prescription to help their vision, as prescriptions do tend to change over time.

Exams

Optometrists perform routine eye exams to check your vision and the overall health of your eyes. The exams can include vision tests, dilation, and 3D imaging. These exams are painless, quick, and simple. They can also check to see if you have signs of glaucoma or refer you to an ophthalmologist if you have a serious eye condition.

Prescriptions

After an eye exam is performed to test your eye sight, optometrists may give you a new eye prescription for glasses or contacts to improve your vision if needed. Optometrists will help you understand your new prescription, and many even offer to fit you for new glasses on site. 

Contact lens fittings

When getting new contacts, optometrists want to assure that the curve of the lens accurately fits the curve of your eye. They will measure the curvature of the cornea or surface of the eye with an instrument called a keratometer. 

Optometrists are health professionals who provide vision care including vision tests, diagnosis, treatment, and management of vision changes. Your health is important, and so is routinely visiting an optometrist. Many eye conditions don’t have symptoms right away, so routine visits can help identify any possible issues.