Get General Eye Exams in Edmonton, Leduc, or Westlock!
At Optometrists’ Clinic Inc., we know that understanding what to expect from a general exam can help you feel more prepared and comfortable. Whether you’re booking your first visit or you’re due for your annual check-up, here’s what you need to know about getting a general eye exam at the Optometrists’ Clinic!
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect during an adult eye exam?
A general eye exam or comprehensive eye exam goes beyond just checking how well you see—it’s about making sure your eyes are healthy and functioning properly. When you visit our Edmonton optometrists, your exam will typically include:
- Vision Testing: We’ll assess how clearly you see at various distances.
- Refraction Assessment: If you need glasses or contacts, we’ll determine the exact prescription you require.
- Eye Movement & Coordination Tests: We check how well your eyes work together.
- Optic Nerve & Retinal Health Check: Using advanced imaging, we screen for signs of conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.
- Pressure Test (if needed): We measure intraocular pressure to check for glaucoma risk.
The exam usually takes about 20–30 minutes, and we’ll discuss any findings or recommendations afterward.
What can I expect from a dilation exam?
A dilation exam allows your Edmonton optometrist to get a clearer, more detailed view of the back of your eye, including the retina and optic nerve.
- How it works: We apply special eye drops that cause your pupils to widen, improving visibility inside your eye.
- What you’ll notice: Your vision may become blurry, and your eyes will be more sensitive to light for a few hours.
- How long it takes: The full process, including the drops taking effect, takes about 30 minutes.
We recommend bringing sunglasses and arranging for someone to drive you home, especially if you’ve never had your eyes dilated before.
What can I expect from a contact lens assessment?
A contact lens assessment is different from a regular eye exam because it focuses on finding the best lenses for your unique eyes.
- We’ll measure your cornea to ensure a proper fit.
- We check tear production to determine if your eyes can handle contact lenses comfortably.
- We discuss your lifestyle needs, whether you need daily disposables, bi-weekly lenses, or specialty lenses for astigmatism or presbyopia.
- If you’re new to contacts, we’ll teach you how to insert, remove, and care for them safely.
You may be given trial lenses to test for comfort before finalizing your prescription.
How often should I get my eyes tested?
How often you need an eye exam in Edmonton depends on your age, health, and vision needs:
- Children (under 19 years old): Annual general eye exams (covered by Alberta Health Care).
- Adults (19-64 years old): Every two years, unless otherwise recommended.
- Seniors (65+ years old): Annually
- Contact Lens Wearers: Annually to ensure proper fit and eye health.
- People with Diabetes or Eye Conditions: Annually or more frequently as advised.
Why do some people require more frequent eye exams?
Certain individuals need more frequent general eye exams due to higher risks of developing vision problems or eye diseases. You may need to see an Edmonton optometrist more often if:
- You have diabetes (higher risk of diabetic retinopathy).
- You have a family history of glaucoma, macular degeneration, or eye disease.
- You’ve had eye surgery or injuries.
- You wear contact lenses, which require closer monitoring.
- You take medications that can affect your vision.
- You have high blood pressure or other health conditions linked to eye problems.
Regular eye exams help catch issues early, making treatment more effective.
What are the signs that it’s time for an eye exam?
If you’re noticing changes in your vision, it might be time to book an eye exam in Edmonton. Some key signs to watch for include:
- Frequent headaches
- Blurry vision (near or far)
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Eye strain or fatigue, especially after screen time
- Squinting or tilting your head to see better
- Sensitivity to light
- Seeing floaters, flashes of light, or double vision
- Dry, itchy, or watery eyes
- Struggling to read small print or focus on objects
Even if you don’t have symptoms, regular general eye exams keep your vision sharp and help prevent future eye health issues.
Learn More About Eye Exams
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