As a highly experienced ophthalmologist, Dr. Kornmehl offers an array of vision correction and eye care services ranging from state-of-the-art Boston LASIK procedures to comprehensive eye exams. The latter vision assessment procedure plays a crucial role in achieving and maintaining optimal visual health, which is why Dr. Kornmehl recommends that his patients undergo comprehensive eye exams in Wellesley. Please explore the paragraphs below to learn more.
Eye Exam vs Vision Screening
Contrary to a popular misconception, a comprehensive eye exam is very different from vision screening provided by school nurses, pediatricians and some employers. During a comprehensive eye exam, Dr. Kornmehl evaluates not only refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia), he also evaluates the health of a patient’s eyes. By using an array of advanced instruments, Dr. Kornmehl can detect early signs of potentially sight-threatening diseases as glaucoma, macular degeneration and amblyopia. Some eye diseases progress slowly and have minimal or no symptoms in their early stages, therefore yearly comprehensive eye exams are vital in discovering them at the earliest possible stage when treatment is most effective.
Why Are Eye Exams Important?
Comprehensive eye exams are important for both adults and children. While adults are usually able to tell when it is time to see an eye doctor, children often are unable to articulate their vision problems. Many of them are used to their visual impairments and simply do not know that their vision should be much better. Compromised visual health is a severe problem and it can lead to learning difficulties as the child constantly struggles to read the whiteboard, fine print on the assignment sheets and regular-print books. In order to detect eye problems and treat them effectively, Dr. Kornmehl recommends that children and adults undergo comprehensive eye exams at least every one to two years, depending on their specific ocular needs.
Types of Eye Exams
As a Boston eye exams specialist, Dr. Ernest Kornmehl offers a range of advanced eye health evaluations. Depending on the unique needs of each patient, he uses a customized combination of tests and instruments to precisely diagnose refractive and eye health problems. Some of the comprehensive eye exams available at his offices include:
- Eye exams for glasses
- Eye exams for contact lenses
- Diabetic eye exam
- Eye exams for children
- Refractive surgery evaluations for custom LASIK surgery (wavefront exams)
- Contrast sensitivity testing
- Visual field testing
- Glaucoma test
- Slit-lamp eye exam
Eye Exam FAQs
What does the doctor look for in an eye exam?
During an eye exam, Dr. Kornmehl uses different kinds of equipment and tests to get an understanding of the state of your ocular health and vision. He will check for signs of a refractive error or other problems affecting how well you can see. If you already wear glasses or contacts, the doctor can ensure your prescription is current.
Eye exams are also an opportunity to evaluate the eyes for signs of other conditions affecting your overall health. This is because your eyes are the only part of your body where the doctor can look at your veins and arteries without performing surgery. Sometimes abnormalities in the veins or arteries in the eyes indicate diabetes, heart disease, stroke and other serious problems.
How should I prepare for an eye exam?
You do not need to do anything special to get ready for your exam, as long as you are prepared to answer questions about your vision and general health history. Dr. Kornmehl will also inquire about your family eye health history, as some eye diseases are believed to run in families.
On the day of your exam, bring any prescription eyewear and a pair of sunglasses to wear after the exam. Dilating your eyes may make you temporarily sensitive to bright light, and sunglasses will come in handy.
What does it mean to dilate the eyes?
Dilation refers to widening your pupils to get a clear look inside your eyes. This is done painlessly using special eyedrops. Once your pupils are widened, the doctor uses a special magnifying lens to evaluate the inside and back of your eyes.
It takes a few hours for the effects of dilation to wear off. During that time, you may have temporary sensitivity to light and blurry vision.
Can I avoid dilation?
Dr. Kornmehl offers Optos technology, which allows an excellent view of the retina if you would like to avoid dilation.
Can I drive myself home after an eye exam?
It depends on a few factors, including how comfortable you feel with the effects of dilation and how comfortable you generally are behind the wheel. Some patients are quite comfortable driving after their eyes have been dilated, and others prefer to play it safe and get a ride home. Sunglasses are recommended in case you have sensitivity to light.
Speaking with our team prior to your appointment can give you a better idea of what to expect, so you can plan accordingly.
Are eye exams uncomfortable?
No, eye exams are not an uncomfortable or painful process. Our team tries to make eye exams as pleasant as possible.
My eyes seem fine. Do I really need an exam?
Yes, Dr. Kornmehl recommends regular eye exams even in the absence of symptoms or problems. A crucial reason for this is that some eye diseases, such as glaucoma, progress “silently,” or without any noticeable symptoms. The best defense against these diseases is regular eye exams to evaluate the health and integrity of the structures inside your eyes.
Another reason to undergo regular eye exams is that sometimes your vision changes so slowly and incrementally that it is difficult for you to notice a decline. Eye exams help your doctor monitor your vision over time and recommend vision correction solutions when appropriate.
Contacting Your Boston Eye Exams Specialist
If you would like to undergo a thorough comprehensive eye exam that can detect eye diseases and precisely assess your refractive errors, please use our contact page to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kornmehl. He will perform sophisticated tests to carefully evaluate your visual health in order to recommend the best treatment plan and/or prescribe appropriate glasses/contact lenses.