Understanding the Results of Your Comprehensive Eye Exam

A comprehensive eye exam is more than just checking how clearly you see-it’s an important part of maintaining your overall eye health. Whether it’s your first time visiting your Burbank optometrist or you come in regularly, understanding the results of your exam can help you take proactive steps to preserve your vision and detect potential issues early.
 

What Is a Comprehensive Eye Exam?

A comprehensive eye exam in Burbank, CA, involves a series of tests designed to evaluate your vision and the health of your eyes. Unlike a simple vision screening, this exam looks for refractive errors (like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism) and eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration. Your optometrist will also assess your eye coordination, depth perception, and the overall function of your visual system.
 

Interpreting Your Vision Test Results

One of the first parts of your exam is determining your visual acuity - how clearly you see at various distances. Results are often presented as a fraction, such as 20/20 or 20/40.

• 20/20 vision means you can see at 20 feet what a person with normal vision sees at 20 feet.

• 20/40 vision indicates you must be at 20 feet to see what a person with normal vision can see at 40 feet.

If you have a refractive error, your Burbank optometrist may recommend prescription glasses or contact lenses to correct your vision and improve clarity.
 

Eye Health Evaluation

Beyond how well you see, your optometrist will also evaluate the internal and external structures of your eyes. This includes examining your retina, optic nerve, and cornea. Using advanced diagnostic tools, your doctor can detect early signs of conditions like:

• Glaucoma: Often symptomless in early stages but can cause irreversible vision loss if untreated.

• Macular Degeneration: Affects central vision, making reading or recognizing faces difficult.

• Cataracts: Cause cloudy or blurred vision due to lens opacity.

• Diabetic Retinopathy: Related to diabetes, this can lead to vision changes or blindness if not monitored.

Your results will indicate whether your eyes are healthy or if further testing or treatment is needed.
 

What Happens Next

After reviewing your results, your optometrist will discuss any findings and next steps. If a prescription is needed, you’ll receive one for glasses or contact lenses. For patients with early signs of an eye condition, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, medication, or referral to a specialist for further evaluation.

It’s important to schedule annual exams to ensure that any changes in your vision or eye health are detected early. Those with existing eye conditions or risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of eye disease may need more frequent checkups.
 

Ready to Learn More About Your Vision?

Understanding your comprehensive eye exam results empowers you to take charge of your eye health. Our team is committed to helping you see clearly and maintain healthy vision for life.

Contact Burbank Family Optometry to protect your sight with a comprehensive eye exam in Burbank, California. Call (747) 323-4500 to book an appointment today.