At Vision Institute in Colorado Springs, CO, we provide comprehensive eye exams for the entire family.
During your routine eye exam, Vision Institute doctors will determine your need for eyeglasses (or contact lenses) and screen your eyes for common eye diseases and disorders that could lead to vision loss. Many eye health conditions, such as glaucoma, have no symptoms before becoming something more serious.
What is a routine eye exam?
A typical eye exam evaluates not only your vision but also the overall health of the tissues of the eye. The exam includes checking your eyeglasses and/or contact lenses to determine your best possible vision by meeting our skilled Optometrist in Colorado Springs. It also evaluates both the outer and inner eye structures. Your doctor will check for glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal diseases, including macular degeneration. Plan on having your pupils dilated on your first visit to Vision Institute.
What is a medical eye exam?
A routine examination is performed when the patient has no ongoing eye disease or symptoms. A comprehensive health exam is performed, and the vision is evaluated for any needed correction. Simple nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism usually fall under this category. If you need glasses or contacts, a prescription for them is provided.
A medical examination occurs when a patient has symptoms of an eye disease or is being followed for a medical eye condition. This exam evaluates the reason for the symptoms and assesses any ongoing eye diseases or conditions, such as cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, or macular degeneration. Office visits for red eyes, allergies, and trauma are usually considered medical eye exams.
Will my eye or medical insurance cover routine eye exams?
Insurance coverage for eye exams varies. Some policies cover only routine exams while others may only cover the exam if there is a medical diagnosis for a disease or condition. Most insurance covers medical eye exams. We can help you determine if your insurance will cover your exam with Vision Institute. Call us to inquire.
How often do I need my eyes checked?
Every 1-2 years for ages 18-60 – A routine eye exam is recommended every two years, or sooner, if instructed by your physician.
Every Year for over age 61 – An eye exam is recommended every year for people age 61 and older. If your child shows signs of struggling at school, an undetected vision problem may be to blame. Many childhood vision problems go undetected during school vision screenings, so parents and teachers should watch for warning signs that may signal vision problems and schedule an eye exam.
Children
Preschool children should have a children’s eye exam by the age of three, followed by another exam before entering school.
If your child shows signs of struggling at school, an undetected vision problem may be to blame. Many childhood vision problems go undetected during school vision screenings, so parents and teachers should watch for warning signs that may signal vision problems and schedule an eye exam.
Some Risk Factors that indicate adults should have more frequent exams are:
- Eye diseases such as glaucoma or macular degeneration, etc.
- A family history of eye disease
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Taking prescription or non-prescription drugs that may have visual or eye-related side effects
- Previous eye injuries or eye surgery
To schedule an eye exam for you or your family, call the eye doctors at Vision Institute, with two locations in Colorado Springs, CO. You can reach the University Village location by calling (719) 559-2020, or in the Central Fontanero location by calling (719) 471-4000. Call today.