Eye Exam in Nashville
A comprehensive eye exam should reflect more than a standard checklist. Your exam begins with a conversation about your vision concerns, health history, work demands, and daily routine, so testing and recommendations can be tailored to your needs. Advanced diagnostic technology and clear, honest guidance help you better understand your eye health and make informed decisions about your vision.
If you wear or are interested in contacts, a contact lens exam can be included to evaluate fit and comfort. Eye exams are also available for children ages five and older through children’s eye exams.
What should you expect during an eye exam in Nashville, TN?
A comprehensive eye exam goes well beyond checking your vision. Advanced diagnostic technology, including Optomap retinal imaging and, when appropriate, optical coherence tomography (OCT), can provide a detailed view of your eye health and help identify early changes that may not yet affect your vision. Your testing is selected based on your eye health, risk factors, and individual needs and may include the following:
- Assessment of visual acuity (the sharpness of your vision) and determining your correct eyeglass prescription.
- Eye pressure measurement to help screen for glaucoma.
- Visual field test to determine if you have blind spots or peripheral vision issues.
- Cover test to identify crossed eyes or binocular vision problems.
- Slit lamp exam to detect diseases and conditions affecting the front of the eye.
- Dilated eye exam to monitor the health of the retina and optic nerve.
Your eye exam may take up to an hour, depending on the number and complexity of tests needed to fully evaluate your eyes. If you are experiencing burning, grittiness, watery eyes, or contact lens discomfort, your exam may also identify signs of dry eye and guide next steps for dry eye treatment.
The tests are painless, and the team will explain what each test evaluates, why it may be recommended, and what your results mean for your vision and eye health.
What are the benefits of a comprehensive eye exam?
One of the most important benefits of comprehensive eye exams is that they can detect eye diseases in their early stages. Some eye diseases happen so gradually that patients may not notice symptoms until significant vision loss has occurred. If left untreated, these diseases can cause irreversible damage. Regular eye exams help to prevent vision loss and ensure you receive treatment as early as possible.
During your exam, you will receive clear feedback about your vision and eye health. Your eye doctor will assess concerns such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, focusing problems, and signs of eye disease.
Based on the results, you may receive recommendations for eyeglasses, contact lenses, or additional care. If an issue is found, your treatment plan will be shaped around your eye health, visual needs, and lifestyle.
Schedule an eye exam in Nashville, TN
Our team of eye care professionals is here to help you protect your vision and see clearly for years to come. Ensure that your eyes stay healthy by contacting our office to schedule your next eye exam in Nashville, TN.
Eye Exam FAQs
Can I do an eye exam online?
The short answer is yes, but there are a few things to point out. The only information you may get is a prescription for glasses. This is unlikely to be accurate because of how the testing is performed. There are many variables that play into an accurate prescription, and an online test cannot guarantee it will be done correctly. There is also no way to check the health of the eyes or eye pressure which both contribute to how well an individual sees.
What is included in an eye exam?
A comprehensive eye exam includes a vision check at a distance and near, tests that evaluate color vision, muscle motility and alignment, pupil response, confrontation fields, a refraction or generation of an eyeglass prescription for distance and near, an anterior ocular health check, an eye pressure check, and a retinal health check.
What diseases can be detected in an eye exam?
Diseases such as hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, macular degeneration, glaucoma, some cancers, autoimmune diseases, thyroid diseases, and bacterial and fungal infections, to name a few.
How often do I need an eye exam?
It is recommended to have an annual comprehensive eye exam. In some healthy individuals, 2 years is the maximum time to go without an exam.
Is it necessary to dilate my pupils during an eye exam?
Not always. Retinal imaging can reduce the need for dilation during some visits, but dilation may still be recommended when a more complete view of the retina is needed. The National Eye Institute notes that a comprehensive dilated eye exam can help detect many eye diseases early, when treatment may be most effective.¹