The Importance of Regular Eye Checkups

​Change in vision tends to happen gradually, so you may not realize it when you need a new prescription. Additionally, conditions that affect the eyes aren't always obvious at first, so regular checkups are integral to preventing disease. 

Regular checkups will allow your optometrist to keep you up to date with your prescription, diagnose issues before they become a problem, and ensure your vision stays sharp! Schedule your eye exam with our team of experienced optometrists at Normandy Optical now! 

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What to Expect During a Routine Eye Exam

​Some people can feel nervous about eye exams, but there's nothing to worry about— they're quick and painless! A routine eye exam is intended to check your vision, check for any signs of eye disease, and update your prescription, if needed. Your routine eye exam will likely include the following:

• Background Information - Your optometrist will ask you some routine questions to get a sense of your medical history, as well as take into consideration any medications you're currently taking.
• Vision Test - The vision test uses those classic eye charts where the letters get progressively smaller. The vision test will include other eye charts to measure your color vision, eye muscle function, peripheral vision, and how your pupils react to light.
• Refraction Test - The refraction test will measure how your eye lens focuses light. This will require you to look through a variety of lenses and select the one that provides you with the clearest vision.
• Keratometry - The keratometry test involves focusing a light on your cornea. This checks for astigmatism (an irregularly shaped cornea), which allows the optometrist to provide you with a proper fit for contact lenses.
• Tonometry - This test involves releasing a very small, quick puff of air into each eye. This checks your eye pressure and allows your optometrist to check for any signs of glaucoma.
• Movement Tests - These tests will allow your optometrist to see if there are problems with your eyes focusing, your binocular vision, or your eyes ability to work in unison.
• Dilation - This test will likely include drops to dilate your pupils. By dilating your pupil, your optometrist can get a better view of your internal eye structures.
• Contact Lens Exams - If you are being fitted for contact lenses, your optometrist will conduct an exam that determines the measurements of your pupil and iris, maps your cornea, and evaluates your tear film. If you already wear contacts, your optometrist will check for any potential damage caused by the contacts.

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​Diabetic Eye Exams

It is especially important for individuals with diabetes to get regular eye checkups, as they are more prone to eye diseases. During a diabetic eye exam, the optometrist will perform a dilated retinal exam so they can get a better look at the back of your eye, and will be able to detect disease even in the early stages. If your optometrist diagnoses you with an eye disease caused by diabetes, you will be referred to an ophthalmologist for treatment.

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​Pediatric Eye Exams

According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), your child should have a pediatric eye exam at least three times before school age and at least once every two years thereafter. During a pediatric eye exam, an optometrist will check for:

• Ability to focus accurately and comfortably 
• Visual acuity at near, middle, and far distances
• Eye teaming skills (how well your eyes work together)
• Accurate eye movement

Eye conditions and diseases can affect children's health, so it's important to take your child in for regular checkups in order to detect symptoms early. Learn on our pediatric eye care page!

​Schedule Your Eye Exam

​Since 1949, Normandy Optical has been serving the Metro-Detroit area by providing best-quality eye care that can only come from the best opticians, optometrists and other eye care professionals. We have five strategic locations across the metropolis, including Rochester Hills, Shelby Township, St. Clair Shores, Sterling Heights, and West Bloomfield. Contact us now to schedule your comprehensive eye exam!