Eye Exams in Seattle, WA
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Contact UsWhat Are Eye Exams?
Simple vision tests are routine to most people. Children are given these tests at school, and employees are often required to take them for work purposes. Acuity tests are also required when applying for a driver's license. Nevertheless, passing a vision assessment doesn't guarantee your eyes are free of any eye disease. A visual acuity test doesn't offer a complete look at your overall ocular health. For this reason, receiving a thorough eye exam regularly is extremely important.
At SPEX, comprehensive eye evaluations include multiple important testing methods that enable our optometrist, Dr. Scott Campbell, to examine your complete eye health. This is particularly important since many dangerous, vision-threatening issues, like macular degeneration, won't produce any early symptoms.
It is extremely important to visit an eye doctor if it has been longer than 24 months since your last comprehensive eye assessment or if you have had any problems with your eyes or acuity. Stay on top of your ocular health by scheduling biennial appointments at our Seattle, WA office.
What Are the Benefits of Eye Exams?
Whether you've always enjoyed perfect vision or relied on glasses or contacts from a young age, regular eye examinations are crucial for maintaining eye health. The benefits of comprehensive eye exams at SPEX in Seattle, WA, include:
- Ensuring clear vision
- Identifying and diagnosing eye diseases, vision changes, and other eye conditions early
- Guaranteeing your eyesight remains unaffected by health issues that could worsen vision, like diabetes
- Keeping your vision and eye health at their best
- Offering a straightforward, fast, and comfortable experience
- Laying the groundwork for effective treatment options down the line
Who Is A Candidate For Eye Exams?
Receiving complete eye exams on a consistent schedule is important for all adults and children. This applies even if you haven't had any indications of a problem. People who are over 18 and below 40 years of age need to get their eyes assessed every second year. Men and women who have reached their 40s or older should schedule eye health exams approximately every 2 – 4 years. In-depth eye assessments can also identify other major yet treatable medical issues, like injury to the retina, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Parents should also remember that it's especially important to set up comprehensive eye exams for their school-age daughters and sons. Experts have told us that 25% of students have a vision concern. As stated by the American Optometric Association (AOA), infants should have their first ocular evaluations as they near six months old. They ought to be examined again right before going to school. Experts suggest that students have their eyes examined every second year, even if they appear to have wonderful vision. Regular eye checks are particularly important because of the recent major increase in nearsightedness (myopia). This increase is the result of students using computers, tablets, and phones at an unprecedented rate.
What to Expect from Eye Exams
On the day of your exam, please bring your contact lenses and eyeglasses, along with an accurate list of any prescription and OTC medications you are using. The majority of eye assessments at SPEX take about 30 – 90 minutes. Your evaluation will begin with a routine visual acuity test to find out how sharp your vision is. If the eye chart test indicates that you need corrective lenses, the optometrist will usually follow it with refraction testing to measure what your refractive prescription should be. For refraction testing, we use a view-finder type device to let us know which images you see as clear or hazy.
After this, we will do a visual field test, sometimes called a Goldmann visual field exam, which tells us the extent of your peripheral vision and helps in finding certain other eye conditions. Next, we might look at how well your eyes work together with a cover test. As the name indicates, we cover your eyes separately and have you stare at a specific area, which allows us to see the way your eyes focus. We might also ask you to hold your head still and follow a small light using only your eyes. Next, we will usually perform a test that spots color vision limitations and aids in identifying other eye conditions. Lastly, we will do a slit lamp exam to obtain a magnified, full-aspect 3D view of the observable parts of your eyes, including the upper and lower lids, conjunctiva, cornea, iris, and lenses.
It is especially beneficial to widen the pupils with eye drops to completely assess the health of the retina, retinal blood vessels, optic nerve, and the macula, as well as to test for glaucoma. Your doctor may dilate your pupils for more tests, depending on your age and the primary reason for your exam.
Eye Exams Reviews
Amazing experience! I had an eye exam appointment and everything went well. I was a bit nervous as I hadn't checked my vision for a while, but the doctor was so gentle and caring and also was always explaining what to do and why. Excited for my next eye exam and will definitely book it with SPEX :)
Dr Campbell's new office is warm and friendly. The eye exam is very thorough and technology efficient.
For years I had been going to different eye doctors, but Dr. Scott Campbell nailed it! The best full and thorough eye exam I ever had. I highly recommend SPEX and Dr. Cambell. They are equipped with the state of the art technology that makes the whole process a very pleasant experience.
I recently had my first official eye exam! I had a wonderful experience. Dr. Campbell was very knowledgeable and walked me through everything perfectly. Technology was very current and I never felt rushed. From a design perspective the office was beautiful, modern and inviting. Thanks SPEX!
I've been to several different optometrists throughout the years. Since the days of Western Optical, to Costco, none comes close to the team at Spex. From the moment I walked in, I was welcomed into their modern facility by their wonderful staff, giving me the feeling that I picked the right optometrist. When I met with Dr. Campbell, it's clear he is very knowledgeable in his field and is in the right line of work! I have recommended Spex to my parents, and plan to bring my wife and son to see Dr. Campbell when it comes time for their eye exams.
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What Happens After An Eye Exam?
Once your eye exam is finished, a member of our team will talk to you about setting up your next checkup. Your age, results, related health factors, and more will help establish your recommended times to receive eye exams. Even individuals who get healthy results need to continue to have eye exams once every 2 – 4 years so that if any concerns do occur, they will be found and addressed as soon as possible. You may need to schedule a follow-up visit for future testing or treatment if Dr. Campbell detects any indications of a potential issue. Keep in mind that if we decide to dilate your pupils, you might have to have a friend or family member drive you home following your exam.
Learn More About SPEX
About UsEnsure A Lifetime of Good Vision
People often neglect their ocular health until a vision problem occurs, but the health of the eyes goes beyond having clear vision. We invite you to schedule comprehensive eye exams for yourself and your family with our team in Seattle, WA. SPEX uses innovative technologies and techniques to thoroughly examine your eyes and catch any issues before they become a larger issue.
Eye Exams FAQs
Can an eye exam detect other health problems or diseases?
Eye exams can be used as a way to screen for health problems like high blood pressure and diabetes. The primary purpose of an eye exam, however, is to check the structure and function of your eyes. Also, if you contact SPEX concerning general eye discomfort or vision problems, we can help identify the reason for the pain or ailment.
Do my eyes have to be dilated for an eye exam?
Dilation is not always necessary for every eye exam, but it can be an important part of a comprehensive evaluation. When your eyes are dilated, it allows Dr. Campbell to get a better view of the inside of your eyes, including the retina and optic nerve. This can help in the early detection of eye conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. However, not all eye exams require dilation. Dr. Campbell will determine whether dilation is necessary based on your individual eye health and any specific concerns.
How soon can I return to work or school after my eye exam?
After a routine eye exam that does not involve dilation, you can typically return to work or school immediately. Most people experience little to no discomfort or vision disturbances after such exams. However, if your eye exam includes dilation, your vision may be temporarily blurred, and you may become more sensitive to light. It's a good idea to bring sunglasses to wear after dilation, as they can help with light sensitivity. The effects of dilation can last for several hours, so you may prefer to schedule your eye exam for a time when you don't have immediate work or school commitments.
If I have perfect vision, do I really need an eye exam?
Yes, even if you have perfect vision, regular eye exams are essential for maintaining eye health. Eye exams are not only about checking your visual acuity; they also assess the overall health of your eyes. Many eye conditions, such as glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal problems, can develop without noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Early detection and treatment are crucial for preserving your long-term vision. Additionally, eye exams can uncover issues related to eye strain, dry eyes, and other conditions that can affect comfort and visual performance, even if you have 20/20 vision. It's recommended that adults have a comprehensive eye exam at least every two years, or as advised by their eye care professional.
How often should I get a comprehensive eye exam?
At SPEX, Dr. Campbell recommends that people between the ages of 18 - 40 get a comprehensive eye exam every 2 – 4 years. For those 40 and older, exams should be conducted every two years if you don’t wear contacts or glasses. If you do wear glasses or contacts or have an eye condition like glaucoma or cataracts, exams should be annual.
What does dilation mean?
Dilation involves placing drops in your eyes that cause your pupils to widen so that Dr. Campbell or a member of his team can get a better view of the back of your eye. We can check for diseases such as glaucoma at our Seattle, WA facility. Most comprehensive eye exams include dilation, but it depends on each individual patient and their symptoms.