In order to maintain decent vision and to keep your eyes healthy you must have routine eye exams. For certain age groups it may be alright to have an exam every two years; however, if you are a senior or have diabetes it is a good idea to be checked every six to twelve months. Be sure to consult your eye care professional regarding the consistency of eye exams that you should maintain.
At this exam your pupils will be dilated so the doctor can see into your retina, your vision will be checked and you will be screened for eye diseases or disorders. If further testing is required a more comprehensive exam and possible testing will be scheduled. If you experience any changes in your vision between regularly scheduled visits with your eye specialist, you should schedule an appointment at Southwestern Eye Center as soon as possible. Early detection of problems and treatment of problems can be the key to preventing loss of vision.
Regular eye exams can diagnose a variety of eye conditions early on and are the best way to preserve good vision. For children, strabismus (crossed eye) and amblyopia (lazy eye) can often be diagnosed and treated in early childhood, avoiding life-long vision impairment. Also, rare eye conditions from birth (like congenital cataracts) can be diagnosed and treated. For all ages, refraction tests can determine whether prescription eyewear would be beneficial, and what power is necessary. Furthermore, many debilitating eye diseases can be diagnosed before noticeable symptoms occur, potentially making the difference between minor damage and major vision loss.
You want your children’s eyes to be as healthy as possible. That’s why it is so important to watch out for warning signs that might indicate vision problems.
Common eye conditions that occur in children include: Amblyopia, Strabismus, Infantile Cataract, Conjunctivitis and Dacryocystitis.
Amblyopia: Also known as lazy eye, is the most common vision problem in children. It occurs when one eye sees more clearly than the other. The most common symptoms are favoring one eye, or bumping into things on one side.
Strabismus: This is a crossing or turning of one of the eyes. It isn’t the same as lazy eye, but strabismus can cause lazy eye.
Infantile Cataract: This gradual clouding of the eye’s lens can occur in newborn babies.
Conjuntivitis: If your child’s eyelid looks red or swollen, he or she may have conjuntivitis or pink eye. You might also notice a white, yellow or green discharge from the eye.
Dacryocystitis: This infection, usually caused by blocked tear ducts, can cause teary or watery eyes and redness in the corner of the eye.
Some other signs that your child may have a vision problem include:
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• Prescription Refills
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