What to Expect at Your Next Eye Exam Appointment

What to Expect at Your Next Eye Exam Appointment

This has been a challenging year for western North Carolina residents. That is probably an understatement. How difficult has it been to juggle furloughs and working remotely with online learning and ever-changing school schedules? When you add quarantines and holiday tradition changes to that mix, it is easy to feel like your entire schedule is off forever. 

When schedules are rearranged and lives are hectic, it is possible for events such as eye exams to slip through the cracks. You and your family may have even been rescheduled in the interest of safety and caution. Whether you have missed an exam due to the pandemic, or it has just been a while since your eyes were checked, we want to walk you through what you can expect during an appointment at Asheville Vision Associates.

 

What to Expect at Your Next Eye Exam Appointment

1) You can expect safety. 

Here at Asheville Vision Associates, we take health and safety seriously. We have procedures in place to ensure the safest possible environment. Our team is committed to sanitation, distancing, and providing a clean space to minimize the risk of spreading sickness. 

2) You can expect to answer questions about your medical history.

You can expect to answer questions about your medical history and eye health. Questions our team will likely ask include:

  • Have you come in contact with anyone who has tested positive for or exhibiting symptoms related to COVID-19?
  • Are you currently taking any medications?
  • Are you experiencing any issues with your vision?
  • Are your eyes dry, irritated, or are you experiencing pain?
  • Have you had any surgeries on your eyes in the past?
  • Do you have any allergies?
  • Do you have family members who have experienced macular degeneration, glaucoma, or other eye issues?

3) You can expect your doctor to perform tests. 

Tests are required in order to determine your eye health and visual acuity. Some of the tests you may experience include:

  • Annidis RHA Multi-Spectral Imaging
  • Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
  • Macular Pigment Density Test (MPOD)
  • Extended Ophthalmoscopy
  • Color Vision Test
  • Lensometer Test
  • Visual Acuity Test
  • Pachymetry Test
  • Direct and Indirect Ophthalmoscope
  • Tonometry Test

These tests will help determine your overall eye health and vision, whether or not you need glasses or contacts, and the prescription for your visual aids. They are also involved in the screening for the following:

  • Macular degeneration
  • Glaucoma
  • Diabetic Retinopathy
  • Pigment Density
  • Cataracts
  • Dry Eyes
  • Corneal Irritation
  • Blind Spots
  • Color Vision or Color Blindness
  • Crossed Eyes or "Lazy" Eyes in Children
  • Visual Acuity

4) You can expect your doctor to make necessary recommendations for other evaluations.

Your exam may reveal you have exceptional eye health. It may uncover areas in which your eye health needs improvement. Based on the results of your screenings and tests, your optometrist may find you need further evaluation from an ophthalmologist or optician. 

5) You can expect your eye doctor to consult you regarding eye nutrition.

One of the most important steps you can take between eye exams to ensure your vision and eye health are at their peak is to practice proper nutrition. Asheville Vision Associates offers eye-related nutritional counseling, including education and strategies for healthy eating and lifestyle changes. Some of the foods that are best for your eye health include:

  • Leafy greens that you would use in salads and casseroles
  • Eggs – consider adding hard-boiled eggs to your salad
  • Fish which are high in Omega-3 fatty acids
  • Citrus fruits like oranges, tangerines, grapefruits, and limes
  • Beans, which have a significant amount of zinc 
  • Sweet potatoes and squashes that are full of Vitamins A and E
  • Buts are high and zinc and help your body process Vitamin A
  • Oysters and other Shellfish are also rich in zinc

At Asheville Vision Associates, we are committed to helping you make sure your eyes are as healthy as possible. We want you to be able to see our beautiful area as well as possible. We know it has been an unusual and trying year for residents of western North Carolina and your eye exam may have fallen by the wayside. If it is time to reschedule your eye exam appointment or schedule one for the first time, contact Asheville Vision Associates - your trusted eye doctors in 

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