Getting a yearly eye exam is part of taking care of your and your family’s health. What can you expect from your eye appointment? If money is an issue, how frequently do you really need your eyes checked?
Optometrists diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases affecting the visual system. From infants to grandparents, everyone needs to have their eyes examined but how can you do this when the cost is just outside of your budget? This article will discuss affordable eyecare exams in cedar rapids IA, how often you need them and where to find them.
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Why go to an optometrist?
Most children have vision screening at school and you can go to many eyeglass stores in the mall or in your local area and get a free site test. A site test can only determine lens power by relying on a combination of computerized tests. This type of exam cannot determine healthof your eye, just prescription.
To see an optometrist is you don’t need a referral from a family doctor. Must haves for an eye exam include:
- exam a review of your personal health history
- evaluation of distance and near vision with an eye chart
- check for nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism
- evaluation of your eyes ability to work together
- pressure test
- examination of the interior of your eyes
Helpful Budgeting Hint – a contact lens exam is typically additional
Costs
An average price for an eye examination in IA is as low as $50 and as high as $300. It pays to shop around and ask what you are getting before you book rather than be surprised after the fact.
Infants six months or younger can be tested at birth. Babies only see blurred patterns of light and dark and during the first few months. By six months babies develop eye movement control much like they develop hand eye coordination. Sometimes an infants eyes will appear slightly crossed but usually this is nothing to worry about however if a child less than six months of age has significantly crossed eyes you should definitely see an optometrist right away.
In school it will become quite obvious if a child has a large visual impairment however the child may not realize any small visual of visual problem as they adapt and assume that everyone sees the same way they do. After having a school assessment, it may be recommended for you to see an optometrist or if you see any of these symptoms:
- trouble reading the board
- rubbing eyes
- tilting the head unusually to write or read
- using a finger to maintain a place while reading
- losing their place frequently while reading
- confusing words or letters while reading
- performing below expectations
Knowing that parents usually put their children’s needs first we recognize that you may be deciding where to spend your money. As you age complications become more frequent. Some things an eye doctor will check you for are:
- cataracts
- macular degeneration
- glaucoma
Remember, your health is important. DO everything you can to take advantage of regular eye exams.
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