Q:
My contacts are fine and my prescription hasn't changed in years.
Why do I need an eye exam after only two years?
A: Only two years? Many people believe that an eye exam
involves a vision check and not much else. While a prescription
evaluation is an integral part of the exam for most people, the
health evaluation is the primary reason for routine exams. Both
the outside and inside of eyes are carefully examined for health
related concerns. The Cornea requires oxygen, and other nutrients,
supplied by our tears to stay healthy. Contact lens wear can affect
the health of the Cornea so they must be evaluated on a regular
basis. Visual Effects Optical requires an exam every 24 months
(maximum) before re-ordering of contact lenses can occur by our
patients.
Equally important is the internal evaluation. Eye conditions such
as glaucoma and cataracts, retinal disease, and vascular changes
due to high-blood pressure, diabetes and even AIDS, can be detected
by looking inside the eye.
These are the underlying reasons why the American Optometric Association
recommends exams every two years.
