Routine Eye Care

What is a routine eye exam?

A routine eye exam is an exam to assess the health of one's eye sight and ocular structures.

The refraction test, also called an eye test or vision test, is a simple procedure performed by an eye doctor to check a person's eyesight. The refraction test determines the prescription to best improve ones eyesight at distance and near. These findings can include nearsightedness (can't see distance), farsightedness (can't see near), or presbyopia (inability to accommodate at near secondary to age-related changes in the eyes). At New England Eye and Facial Specialists; we can fit/dispense a variety of glasses and contact lens options to improve visual function.

During a routine eye visit, a doctor can diagnose dry eye syndrome, changes related to allergies, corneal diseases such as keratoconus, cataracts, macular changes, glaucoma and various ocular anomalies.

Children should have regular eye exams to rule out strabismus (eye turns), uncorrected refractive error both which can lead to amblyopia (otherwise known as a lazy eye; which is a disorder of the visual system that is characterized by poor  vision in an eye that is otherwise physically normal).

Over 50 years of age one should have a comprehensive eye exam every year to check for common age-related eye problems such as presbyopia, glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration.


How often should I have an eye exam?
Infants should have first eye exam at 6 months of age.

School-Aged children with vision correction needs                                             - Every Year

School-Aged children without vision correction needs                                        - Every 2 years

Adults who wear glasses and contact lenses                                                       - Every Year

Adults with high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes                             - Every Year

Adults (age 20-40) without vision correction needs should obtain an eye exam    - Every 2 years.

Adults Over 40: (to check for common age-related problems such as                                
presbyopia, glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration                  - Every Year                                                                          

What causes Low Vision?

Eye diseases and common causes of visual impairments include (but aren't limited to) macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and retinal detachments. At New England Eye and Facial Specialists, our doctors will complete an examination and provide treatment and management of patients with visual impairments which are not fully treatable by medical, surgical or conventional eyewear or contact lenses. Each type of low vision problem requires a different therapeutic approach. We may prescribe various treatment options, including low vision devices; such as hand held or desk top magnifiers, CCTV's, as well as assist the person with identifying other resources for vision and lifestyle rehabilitation.

What can be done for my dry eyes?
Dry Eye Syndrome is a common disorder of the normal tear film that results from one of the following:

• Decreased tear production
• Excessive tear evaporation
• An abnormality in the production of mucus or lipids normally found in the tear layer

Aqueous (watery) tear deficiency is caused by either poor production of watery tears or excessive evaporation of the watery tear layer.

• Poor production of tears by the tear glands may be a result of age, hormonal changes, or various autoimmune diseases, such as primary Sjogren syndrome, Rheumatoid Arthritis or Lupus.
• Evaporative loss of the watery tear layer is usually a result of an insufficient overlying lipid layer.
  Some medications, such as antihistamines, antidepressants, beta-blockers, and oral contraceptives, may decrease tear production.

If blinking is decreased or if the eyelids cannot be closed, the eyes may dry out because of tear evaporation.

• When you read, watch TV, or perform a task that requires close attention with your eyes, you may not blink as often. This decreased blinking allows excessive evaporation of the tears.
• May be caused by medical conditions such as strokes or Bells Palsy.

During a routine eye exam the cause of dryness can be determined and many options for treatment can be implemented; including education on visual hygiene (blinking), artificial tears and lubricating ointments and warm compresses. In moderate to severe cases of dryness punctal plugs and/or Restasis ophthalmic drops can be used.