Comprehensive Eye Exam

A comprehensive eye exam is an essential part of preventive healthcare, allowing optometrists to assess both visual acuity and overall eye health. At Palo Alto Eyes Optometry, we are committed to providing thorough eye care that helps you maintain clear, comfortable vision and detect potential eye diseases early.

What Is a Comprehensive Eye Exam?

A comprehensive eye exam is a detailed evaluation of your vision and ocular health, far more extensive than a standard vision screening. While vision screenings may identify refractive errors like nearsightedness or farsightedness, they do not assess the full health of your eyes.

A comprehensive eye exam performed by our optometrist includes:

• Visual Acuity Testing – Determines how well you see at various distances using an eye chart.

• Refraction Test – Identifies refractive errors such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, or presbyopia and helps determine your precise prescription for glasses or contact lenses.

• Eye Movement & Alignment Tests – Checks how well your eyes work together and move in coordination.

• Pupil Response & Peripheral Vision Tests – Evaluates neurological function and any abnormalities in your field of vision.

• Intraocular Pressure Measurement (Glaucoma Screening) – Uses a non-contact tonometer or applanation tonometry to check for elevated eye pressure, which can be a sign of glaucoma.

• Retinal & Optic Nerve Examination – Dilated eye exams and Optomap retinal imaging allow us to inspect the retina, blood vessels, and optic nerve for early signs of diseases like diabetic retinopathy or macular degeneration.

What Can a Comprehensive Eye Exam Detect?

Many eye diseases and vision problems develop gradually and may not show obvious symptoms until they reach an advanced stage. A comprehensive eye exam can detect:

• Refractive Errors – Nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia.

• Glaucoma – Often called the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma can lead to irreversible vision loss if not detected early.

• Cataracts – Clouding of the eye’s natural lens, leading to blurry vision and glare sensitivity.

• Macular Degeneration – A leading cause of blindness, particularly in older adults

• Diabetic Eye Disease – High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the retina, leading to diabetic retinopathy.

• Hypertension-Related Eye Issues – High blood pressure can cause changes in the retinal blood vessels, increasing the risk of vision loss.

• Dry Eye Syndrome – Chronic dryness, irritation, and inflammation of the eyes, often worsened by screen time and environmental factors.

Annual eye exams are crucial for maintaining vision and overall health. Even if you don’t experience noticeable vision problems, many eye conditions develop silently and progress without warning signs. Early detection and treatment can prevent or slow vision loss.

Who Should Have More Frequent Eye Exams?

While annual eye exams are recommended for most adults, certain individuals should schedule exams more frequently:

• People with diabetes – Due to the risk of diabetic eye disease.

• Individuals with a family history of eye diseases – Such as glaucoma or macular degeneration.

• Children & teens – To ensure proper visual development and address early refractive issues.

• Seniors (60+ years old) – Due to the increased risk of cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration.

• Contact lens wearers – To monitor eye health and ensure proper lens fit and comfort.

Your Trusted Optometrists in Palo Alto, California

At Palo Alto Eyes Optometry, we believe in proactive eye care and personalized attention. Our experienced optometrists use the latest technology to ensure early detection and effective management of eye conditions. Whether you need a routine check-up, update your prescription, or treatment for an existing eye condition, we are is here to help.

Stay proactive with your eye health by scheduling a comprehensive eye exam at Palo Alto Eyes Optometry. Contact us today to book an appointment and experience exceptional eye care in Palo Alto, California.