Getting your eyes checked is one of the best ways to safeguard your visual health. There are two types of eye checks: comprehensive eye exams and routine vision exams. To help you determine which option you need, your eye doctor explains their respective scopes and differences.
Routine Vision Exams
Routine vision exams, also called vision screenings, are relatively brief eye assessments. Their main purpose is to detect the presence of vision problems or at least establish your risk of having potential eyesight concerns. They can be performed by an eye care specialist, general physician, nurse or even trained volunteers.
The process typically includes asking about your visual health history, checking if you need to use corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses and identifying signs of underlying eye conditions. While routine vision exams are not used to provide a diagnosis, they can help pinpoint underlying issues, allowing you to seek further testing.
Comprehensive Eye Exams
Comprehensive eye exams or medical eye exams take longer than vision screenings, around 30 to 60 minutes. They can only be performed by optometrists or ophthalmologists. They start with a detailed review of your medical history. This may include questions about eye and medical conditions that run in your family, as well as your lifestyle and habits.
Afterward, your eye care specialist will conduct an in-depth examination of the external and internal parts of your eyes. We may also evaluate your eyes’ visual acuity, peripheral vision, depth perception and more. We may have you undergo other eye diagnostic procedures as needed. Once we have the test results, we’ll explain them to you and recommend a management plan. If we find that your eyes lack moisture, for example, we may suggest certain dry eye treatments to maintain your visual comfort and health.
To learn more about eye exams and your eye health, call us at (410) 795-8670 to schedule a visit. We serve Westminster and nearby MD areas.