Preparing for the eye exam

Eye care experts recommend having an eye care exam every two to three years, depending on the age, risk factor and physical condition.

As per some experts about 5-10% of pre schoolers and 25% of school aged children have vision problems. According to Canadian Association of Optometrists, every kid should have their eyes examined at the age of 6 months and at age 3 and at start of school. Children without vision problems should continue to have their eyes examined at least two years throughout the school.

Children with existing vision problems and risk factors should have their eyes examined more frequently. Common risk factors to vision problems include:

1. Premature birth.
2. Developmental delays.
3. Turned or crossed eyes.
4. Family history of eye disease.
5. History or eye injury.
6. Other physical illness and disease.

As per the instructions of eye doctors of CAO, children who wear contact lenses or glasses should have their eyes examined once in a year.

The CAO also recommends annual eye exams for the adults who wear eye glasses or contacts. If you don’t normally need vision correction, you still need an eye exam every two to three years up to age of forty depending on the rate of visual change and overall health. Individuals suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure and other disorders are recommended frequent examinations because many diseases can have an impact on vision and eye health.

If you are over 40, its recommended to have eyes examined every one to two year to diagnose for any common age related eye problems like cataracts, presbyopia and macular degeneration.

Because with the advancing age, risk of eye disease continues to grow, everyone over 60s should be examined annually.

Who to see for my Mississauga Eye Exam?

There are two kinds of eye doctors – ophthalmologists and optometrists. Who you should see depends o your needs and preferences. Ophthalmologists are doctors who specialize in eye care. These are licensed to perform eye surgery and treat medical conditions of the eye. They generally undergo eight or more years of training after college.

Optometrists are eye doctors who can prescribe glasses and contacts and treat medical conditions of the eyes with eye drops and other medicines. They generally receive four or more years of training after college.

How much does an eye exam cost?

Eye exams in Mississauga are available in different settings, from discount optical stores to surgical offices, so the fee can vary widely. Besides fees can vary depending on whether the exam is performed by optometrist or ophthalmologist; the type of services that are included in the exam.

Generally, contact lens exam cost more than regular eye exam. Apart from that, higher fees can be charged for some specialized services like laser vision correction evaluations.

Many insurances cover at least a portion of eye exam services. Look out for the benefits and see which doctors in your are participate in your plan before making an appointment. Give your doctor’s office your insurance information to verify coverage.

Also, it is important to have some basic information ready at the time of your eye examination. Bring following items for your exam:

• All contact lenses and glasses you routinely use.
• List of medications you take.
• List of nutritional supplements you consume.
• List of questions to ask the doctor.
• Finally also bring your medical insurance card.