A comprehensive eye exam includes an evaluation of the visual system (visual acuity, refraction, focusing ability, eye alignment, etc). The other major component of a comprehensive exam is an eye health evaluation. This portion of the exam focuses on the detection of a multitude of diseases and disorders that can affect a person’s vision and eye comfort. Such conditions include dry eye disease, conjunctivitis, cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and many more.
Regular eye health checks are important because eye disease can progress without any obvious symptoms. Often, by the time the sufferer notices symptoms of a disease, vision has been permanently damaged. By having your eyes examined on a regular basis, your optometrist can detect symptoms of a disease in its earliest stages and ensure prompt treatment.
“High risk” factors can include:
Annual eye examinations for patients diagnosed with diabetes, along with all Saskatchewan children under the age of 18, are covered by Saskatchewan Health