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The Comprehensive Visual Examination at Mount Vernon Eye Care includes a computerized base-line screening on a stereo optical instrument. Visual acuity is tested for both far and near. Color deficiency, depth perception, and muscle balance are also tested. A computerized refraction is done, and a very precise and accurate measurement is recorded and then fine-tuned by the doctor, with a subjective response by the patient. A glasses and a contact lens prescription can then be determined.
Finally, diagnostic drops are used to dilate the pupils. This procedure is done to give the doctor a better view of the back of the eye to check for any eye diseases, such as glaucoma. Once the patient is dilated, a slit lamp is used to examine the cornea and tissues that surround the eye. An instrument called the Binocular Indirect is used to view the fundus, the nerve fiber layer of the eye, to rule out any disease process. The doctor then reviews the entire exam and answers any questions the patient might have. If during the course of the exam a severe problem is detected, the patient is referred to a specialist for further.
Refraction is done during comprehensive visual exam to determine if a person has normal vision. When a person complains of blurred vision, this test can help determine the extent of poor vision. It can also be performed to help follow the progress of treatments or diseases of the eye. The test is used to prescribe glasses if needed.
Medicare and many other insurance plans consider a refraction to be routine medical care not covered under their medical coverage, even if a patient has glaucoma, cataracts, etc.
You may be wondering, why do I need a Routine Eye Exam, if I have recently been in for Medical Eye Testing? The answer is that they are quite different examinations even though some of the screening tests may look similar or actually be the same. Many of the tests in the screening room (pre-exam) are similar. These tests are needed Each Time the doctor sees you and some are even required by medical law (standards) before the doctor can see you. However the two exams, Medical & Routine, are quite different. Medical exams are focused on resolving a clearly defined medical problem. Routine exams (that include examinations for glasses or contact lenses) are a broad scope of Preventive Testing. The aim here is to find things before they become a problem and do determine if you need eyewear or a change in your eyewear.
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