At Asheville Vision and Wellness, we have been dedicated to caring for eyes by providing excellent care and the latest technology for families throughout western North Carolina. Our examinations include comprehensive exams for health and vision problems, including exams for children and the elderly. Our optometrists are certified in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of ocular disease — and every examination is customized to your unique eye care needs.
What Makes Our Eye Exams Comprehensive
A comprehensive eye exam is much more than determining your prescription for glasses or contact lenses. We conduct thorough evaluations to detect early signs of eye disease and vision problems before they become serious.
Conditions We Screen For
As part of your annual eye exam, your doctor may perform an array of tests depending upon your individual needs, including screening for:
- Macular degeneration
- Glaucoma
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Pigment density abnormalities
- Cataracts
- Dry eyes
- Corneal irritation
- Blind spots
- Color vision deficiencies or color blindness
- Crossed eyes or lazy eyes in children
- Visual acuity issues
Each test serves an important purpose in building a complete picture of your eye health. Our doctors explain every step, ensuring you understand what we're looking for and why it matters.
Advanced Diagnostic Technology
We invest in the most advanced diagnostic equipment to provide accurate assessments and early detection of eye problems. Our state-of-the-art technology allows us to see what traditional examination methods might miss.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
OCT takes cross-sectional pictures of the retina via a scanning laser. This technology is used to diagnose and monitor conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.
Optomap Ultra-Widefield Retinal Imaging
This technology creates a digital image that captures more than 80% of your retina in one panoramic view. It helps detect early signs of retinal disease including age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.
Macular Pigment Density Test (MPOD)
This test checks how much protective pigment is in the macula. A low amount of macular pigment increases the risk of age-related macular degeneration. Nutritional supplements like MacuHealth can reduce this risk by restoring depleted levels of meso-zeaxanthin, zeaxanthin, and lutein.
Slit Lamp Examination
The slit lamp allows your doctor a highly magnified view of your eye to thoroughly evaluate the front structures — including lids, cornea, and iris — followed by examination of the inside of your eye, including the retina, optic nerve, and macula. This test aids in diagnosing cataracts, dry eyes, corneal irritation, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration.
Extended Ophthalmoscopy
This examination offers a wider view of the eye's internal structures, including examination of the central and peripheral retina for thinning, holes, tears, and diabetes-related side effects.
Tonometry Test
A computer measures the pressure inside the eye to assess one of the primary risk factors for glaucoma. If pressure is elevated, an additional diagnostic test may be used.
Visual Fields Test
This test checks for blind spots in your peripheral vision. These blind spots can originate from eye diseases such as glaucoma, and analysis may also help identify specific areas of brain damage caused by a stroke or tumor.
Specialized Testing for Precise Diagnosis
Beyond our advanced imaging, we offer a comprehensive suite of specialized tests to evaluate every aspect of your vision.
Rabin Cone Contrast Test (RCCT)
The RCCT is an advanced color vision test now available at Asheville Vision and Wellness for patients with eye disease. Unlike traditional color vision screening, the RCCT detects disease-related changes in the visual system with exceptional sensitivity — identifying problems in patients with glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and macular degeneration earlier than many conventional tests. We also offer the FAA-approved version of the RCCT for pilots requiring color vision certification.
Pachymetry Test
This test measures the thickness of the cornea, which is important in the early detection of glaucoma. Newer-generation instruments use sound waves to capture an ultra-high definition echogram without touching the cornea.
Stereopsis Test
This assessment evaluates depth perception and determines whether eyes are working together properly. It's especially useful for identifying lazy eyes in children, which can be treated effectively when identified early.
Cover Test
Using a paddle to cover one eye at a time, this test evaluates eye muscle function and can catch a tendency toward crossed eyes in children, as well as indications of eye strain from strabismus or amblyopia.
Visual Acuity and Refraction
A standard eye chart measures the sharpness of your vision, evaluating how well your current glasses or contact lenses are working. The refraction test fine-tunes your eyeglass prescription, determining your level of farsightedness, nearsightedness, presbyopia, and astigmatism.
Eye Exams for Every Stage of Life
Pediatric Eye Exams
Children's eyes are constantly developing, making regular eye exams essential. Our doctors are experienced in examining children and use specialized techniques to make the examination comfortable and stress-free — and our therapy dog Gus is often on hand to help younger patients feel right at home.
Adult Eye Exams
For adults, comprehensive eye exams help detect age-related conditions early when they are most treatable. We screen for glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration, and assess how conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure may be affecting your eyes.
Senior Eye Exams
As we age, the risk of developing serious eye conditions increases. Our senior eye exams focus on detecting and monitoring age-related conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.
How Often Should You Have an Eye Exam?
The frequency depends on your age, risk factors, and whether you wear glasses or contacts:
- Children: First exam at six months, again at age three, before starting school, then annually
- Adults 18–60: At least every two years, or annually if you wear contacts or have risk factors
- Adults over 60: Annual comprehensive eye exams
- Anyone with diabetes, family history of eye disease, or other risk factors: Annual exams regardless of age
Schedule an eye exam immediately if you experience sudden vision changes, eye pain, flashing lights, floaters, or other concerning symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an eye exam if my vision seems fine?
Yes. Many serious eye conditions develop without noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Regular comprehensive eye exams can detect problems like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy before you notice any vision changes.
How long does a comprehensive eye exam take?
A thorough eye exam typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your individual needs and the tests required. We never rush through examinations.
What should I bring to my eye exam?
Please bring your current glasses and contact lenses if you wear them, a list of medications, your insurance card, and information about any eye concerns or vision changes you've noticed.
Can you detect health problems during an eye exam?
Yes. Comprehensive eye exams can reveal signs of many systemic health conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, autoimmune diseases, and even some types of cancer.
Do you offer same-day appointments for urgent eye problems?
Yes. We accommodate same-day appointments for patients with urgent eye concerns. If you're experiencing an eye emergency, please call ahead at (828) 747-9260.
Schedule Your Comprehensive Eye Exam Today
Your vision deserves the best care available. Whether you need a routine eye exam, have concerns about your vision, or want to establish care with an experienced optometry practice, our team is here to help.
We're conveniently located at 559 Long Shoals Road in Arden, North Carolina, just off I-26 at exit 37. Since 1989, our group has been focused on providing high-quality vision care to our patients, and our experienced staff is totally committed to providing superior service.
Schedule your comprehensive eye examination online or visit our contact page to learn more. For immediate care, call us at (828) 747-9260.