Understanding the Different Types of Eye Exams and Why They're Important

When was your last eye exam? Whether you’re dealing with blurry vision, managing a medical condition, or simply want to update your prescription, eye exams are essential for maintaining your overall eye health. At Chan Eye Care, we offer several types of eye exams tailored to your specific needs.
 

Comprehensive Eye Exam

A comprehensive eye exam is your routine check-up for overall eye health and vision. During this exam, our optometrist evaluates your visual acuity, checks for refractive errors (like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism), and screens for early signs of eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration.

We’ll also examine how your eyes work together and assess eye muscle function. This type of exam is essential for detecting issues early (even before symptoms appear) and is recommended once a year for most people.
 

Medical Eye Exam

A medical eye exam is more specialized and is performed when you have a specific concern related to your eye health. These exams are used to diagnose and manage eye conditions such as dry eye syndrome, diabetic retinopathy, eye infections, sudden vision loss, or ocular allergies.
 

Contact Lens Exam and Fitting

If you wear or are interested in wearing contact lenses, a contact lens exam and fitting is necessary in addition to your comprehensive exam. Contact lenses sit directly on the eye, so it's important they fit properly and comfortably while providing clear vision.

During this appointment, we’ll take detailed measurements of your eyes, evaluate tear film quality, and recommend the best lens type for your lifestyle and eye health. You’ll also receive training on how to insert, remove, and care for your lenses.
 

Why Regular Exams Matter

Each type of eye exam serves a different purpose, but they all contribute to maintaining your visual health and catching issues early. Comprehensive exams help detect problems before they worsen, medical exams treat ongoing or acute conditions, and contact lens fittings ensure safe and effective lens wear.
 

Schedule Your Next Exam at Chan Eye Care

Whether you're due for your annual eye check-up, experiencing symptoms, or considering contact lenses, we are here to help. Our personalized approach ensures you receive the right exam for your needs.

Schedule your next eye exam at Chan Eye Care and experience personalized, professional care you can trust. Visit our office in Virginia Beach, Virginia, or call (757) 430-8800 to book an appointment today.