Eye health is critical to overall wellness, and consistent eye care is essential for maintaining clear vision and detecting potential issues early.
At Eyewear Gallery in Memphis, we prioritize your eye health. We offer routine eye care tailored to your unique needs. Knowing the differences between eye exams and vision screenings can help you make informed decisions about your eye and vision care. This ensures you have the best eyewear to meet your needs.
What is a Vision Screening?
A vision screening is a basic test designed to identify potential vision problems and eye disorders. Schools, pediatricians' offices, or community health centers often perform these quick and straightforward procedures. They typically assess:
- Visual acuity (clarity of vision)
- Basic eye coordination and alignment
- Peripheral (side) vision
Although a vision screening can indicate whether there might be a vision issue, it cannot diagnose or treat specific eye conditions. They act as an early detection method, signaling when a comprehensive eye exam is necessary.
What is an Eye Exam?
An eye exam is a thorough evaluation performed by an optometrist. It assesses how clearly you can see and the eyes' overall health. Eye exams can diagnose various eye conditions, such as:
- Refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism)
- Eye diseases (glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration)
- Binocular vision problems like lazy eye (how the eyes work together)
- Eye coordination and focusing issues
Routine eye exams go beyond what vision screenings offer as they can miss issues only a detailed eye exam can detect. This is essential because many eye conditions are symptomless in their early stages. Systemic health conditions like diabetes can manifest through symptoms in the eyes.
Additionally, only an eye exam can provide accurate prescriptions for eyeglasses or contact lenses tailored to your specific needs.
The Role of Eyewear & Contact Lenses
Eye exams are critical in determining the right eyewear and contact lenses.
Whether you need eyeglasses for reading, driving, or everyday use, a precise prescription from an eye exam ensures your glasses will provide the best possible vision correction. Regular exams are also important for updating your prescription as your vision changes over time. Choosing the right eyeglass frames can enhance your vision and style.
On the other hand, contact lenses require a more detailed fitting process than glasses. During an eye exam, our optometrist will measure the curvature of your cornea and evaluate tear production to ensure a comfortable fit. They will also discuss different types of contact lenses, such as daily disposables or multifocal lenses, to find the best option for your lifestyle and vision needs.
Request A Comprehensive Eye Exam in Memphis
Comprehensive eye exams at Eyewear Gallery are indispensable for maintaining eye and vision health. Request an eye exam online through our appointment form to protect your vision for years to come.