A routine eye exam is defined by insurance companies as an office visit for the purpose of checking vision, screening for eye disease, and/or updating eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions. Routine eye exams produce a final diagnosis, like nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism.
Glasses
Regular eye exams test for the development and progression of refractive errors and help your eye care specialist and physician provide a proper prescription if eyeglasses or contact lenses are needed. Exams are also an invaluable tool in the early detection of many eye conditions and diseases. Glasses and contact lenses correct these refractive errors. Prescriptions are measured for each eye so patients can enjoy optimal vision clarity, usually 20/20. Eyewear may be used for certain activities, such as reading for farsighted (hyperopic) patients and driving or watching television for nearsighted (myopic) patients, or may be worn at all times.
Contact Lenses
If you prefer to leave the frames at home and see the world through crystal clear contacts, let our physicians know so a contact lens exam can be performed. Several testing will be performed to determine the shape of your cornea such as a corneal topography. After a medical eye exam and diagnostic testing, a pair of trial lenses can be ordered. The physicians help you determine which types of contact lenses best fits your needs and lifestyle such as daily wear, extended wear and disposables. We offer a selection of all of the top contact lens brands, including Acuvue, CIBA Air Optix, Bausch & Lomb, Fresh Look and Proclear. Most vision insurance plans have benefits that include contact lens fitting and materials.
Dry Eyes
Dry eye occurs when the eyes are not sufficiently moisturized, leading to itching, redness and pain from dry spots on the surface of the eye. The eyes may become dry and irritated because the tear ducts do not produce enough tears, or because the tears themselves have a chemical imbalance. You may experience dry eye symptoms with aging, but the condition can also result from certain medications, conditions or injuries.
Diabetic Eye Exams
Patients with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing eye diseases that can cause vision loss and blindness, such as diabetic retinopathy, cataracts and glaucoma. Diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetic eye disease and a leading cause of blindness in American adults. It is caused by changes in the blood vessels of the retina.
Glaucoma Screenings
Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the United States. It occurs when the pressure inside the eye rises, damaging the optic nerve, and causing vision loss. The condition often develops over many years without causing pain or other noticeable symptoms – so you may not experience vision loss until the disease has progressed.
Allergies
Allergies are caused by triggers in the air, such as pollen, mold, dust or pet dander; or by certain foods or medications, which can cause a different type of allergy. Treating eye allergies can most effectively be done by avoiding the specific triggers that cause your symptoms. If avoidance is not possible, patients can apply cold compresses to the eyes or use artificial tears or over-the-counter medication to relieve symptoms. Prescription eye drops or oral medications may also be recommended to relieve symptoms of eye allergies.
Please Note: Vision insurance plans provide coverage for routine exams, glasses and contact lenses, or at least provide some type of discounts on your doctor’s fees. A routine eye exam is billed to your vision insurance plan. By law, Medicare does not pay for routine vision exams.
