Eye & Vision Exams FAQ

Your visit here with our Newport News optometrists begins with a comprehensive eye and vision examination. If you're a first-time patient, you've probably seen examples of eye exams on television and in the movies, but you may have many questions. This guide gives you the answers to some of the most common ones we hear.

How Often Do I Need My Eyes Examined?

If you're an adult in good general health, you shouldn't go more than two years without having your eyes examined. However, if you have a family history of eye disease, have diabetes, are overweight, or are taking medications that may affect the eyes, you should come in for a vision exam every year.

Why Do I Need a Regular Eye Exam?

Not only does a vision exam check to make sure your eyesight is as strong as it should be, a vision exam can discover eye diseases months or years before you notice any symptoms. Glaucoma, cataracts, and other diseases of the eye can begin long before they give you problems with your eyesight, but if you don't discover them until your eyesight is affected it may be too late for treatment. This not only affects how well you can see in the future, it can affect your eyesight itself.

When Should My Child Have Her First Eye Exam?

Your child's pediatrician should give basic eyesight tests as a part of well-baby visits in her first years, however the American Optometric Association recommends a eye examination by an eye care provider at age 6 months, 3 years, and prior to entering first grade.  It is crucial to have your child's eyes checked to determine whether she needs glasses before starting school, as undetected vision problems can lead to difficulties in school and sports. Eyesight problems commonly crop up during the growing years, so you should bring your child in to be re-examined yearly, unless our doctor advises otherwise.

Will I Have to Have My Eyes Dilated?

Although not every exam includes dilation, you should come prepared for this to be part of your vision exam. When your eyes are dilated it's much easier for the doctor to see the structures located within your eye to give you a more thorough examination.  For children, dilation can help the doctor obtain a more accurate prescription since dilation helps the focusing system of the eyes to relax.  Getting your eyes dilated is generally painless, although bright lights may bother your eyes for a few hours afterward. Bring sunglasses to the office with you to protect your eyes when you leave. The glare may be too painful for you to drive for the first few hours, so consider bringing someone with you as an alternate driver.

What if I Need Vision Correction?

If the doctor determines that your eyesight needs correcting, she'll discuss your options with you to determine what's best for your vision and lifestyle. We offer a variety of eyeglass styles as well as contact lenses. Our team will be happy to work with you to determine your best choices from elegant classics to fun, sporty styles.  We routinely fit daily disposable contact lenses.  Daily disposable contacts are not only the safest and healthiest contact lens option, but they allow you to ditch those expensive contact lens solutions for good!