Can an eye exam detect health problems outside of my eyes?
The eyes can provide important clues about your overall health. During a comprehensive eye examination, we may see changes in the back of the eyes/front of the eye or other eye structures that can be associates with systemic health conditions.
For example, certain findings can be associated with diabetes, high blood pressure, auto-immune disease and other medical conditions.
An eye examination does NOT replace your regular medical care, but it can sometimes provide valuable information about your overall health and may prompt further evaluation by your primary care physician or another medical professional.
Will I be dilated during my eye exam?
Not necessarily, if your examination or medical history indicates that dilation would provide additional information, we may recommend dilation when clinically indicated.
Our goal isn't simply to dilate everyone-we want to use the appropriate tools based on your individual eye health and what we find during your examination
Why do you require Optomap imaging during my eye exam?
We routinely perform Optomap retinal imaging as part of our comprehensive eye examinations. This gives us a detailed view of the retina without requiring routine dilation for every patient.
How often should I have a comprehensive eye exam?
The appropriate frequency of an eye examination depends on your age, overall health, medications, family history, and individual eye health
Even if you see well and have no symptoms, regular comprehensive eye examinations are important because many eye conditions can develop before you notice changes in your vision
We will recommend an examination schedule based on your individual needs.
What should I bring to my eye exam?
To help us provide the most complete examination, please bring:
Your current glasses, including distance, computer, and reading glasses
Contact lens information, if applicable
A list of your current medications, including eye drops
Your vision AND medical insurance cards
Previous glasses prescriptions or eye records, if available
Any questions or concerns you would like to discuss
Why do I need an eye exam if I can see clearly?
Seeing clearly is only part of having healthy eyes.
A comprehensive eye examination evaluates the health of your eyes and can identiy conditions that may not cause noticeable symptoms in their early stages, including glaucoma, retinal disease, diabetic eye changes, and other ocular conditions
Good vision does not awlays mean healthy eyes-which is why comprehensive eye care is important even when you feel that your vision is perfectly fine
Do I need an OCT?
Not everyone needs an OCT
OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) provides detailed, cross-sectional images of structures inside the eye. We may recommend an OCT when your examination, symptoms, medical history, or risk factors indicate that additional imaging would be helpful.
We also offer optional OCT screening for patients who would like additional information about their eye health
If an OCT is performed, we don't simply take the scan, Dr. Koyfman explains what he sees and what it means to you
Why are my eyes dry, burning, watery, or irritated?
Dry, burning, gritty, tired, or watery eyes can have many different causes.
Dry eye is not simply a lack of tears. Problems with the tear film, meibomian glands, eyelids, inflammation, or the ocular surface can all contribute to symptoms.
During a dry eye evaluation, Dr. Koyfman will look at the different components of the ocular surface to help deteremine what may be contributing to your symptoms and develop treatment based on your individual findings.
If you're experiencing persistent eye discomfort, irritation, fluctuating vision, or excessive watering, let us know. These symptoms may be signs that your ocular surface needs to be evaluated.