BIFOCALS AT THE MONITOR LIBERATION DAY!

#BifocalsAtTheMonitorLiberationDay

Freedom comes in the form of an eye exam. Getting your eyes checked is essential to routine eye care. Whether or not you need bifocals, our vision changes over time. Regular eye care includes more than getting glasses, too. Eye care contributes to our overall health. Deteriorating vision can be an early indicator of other health issues. Getting vision exams on a regular schedule helps doctors to identify problems in their early stages.

Routine Tests

• Visual Acuity – You are probably most familiar with this test. Your cover one eye and read the letters on the wall from a distance. The letters gradually decrease in size the lower you go down the chart.
• Retinoscopy – The optometrist uses a machine called a phoropter. It looks a little steam-punkish with all its moving parts, but your optometrist will drop a variety of lenses in front of your eyes to determine your optimal prescription.
• Refraction Test – Using the phoropter again, the optometrist tests pairs of lenses. This test will determine if you are nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism.
• Keratometry Test – The optometrist will measure the shape and curve of your cornea.
• Peripheral Visual Test – Our peripheral vision is what we see on either side when looking forward (central vision). Humans generally have low peripheral vision. It helps us detect movement and offers visual cues to our surroundings. This exam tests how much peripheral vision we have. A narrowing of our peripheral vision may be an indication of injury or disease.
• Intraocular Pressure Measurement – The optometrist will send a puff of air into your open eye. The machine will measure the pressure, your eye’s resistance, to the puff of air.

The day also encourages other ways to care for your eyes. For example, step away from the computer and give your eyes a break. Too much computer time tires our eyes. Make sure your settings aren’t too bright. Eliminate glare coming from a window or other light source by adjusting your screen. Adjusting font settings on your computer can also reduce strain.

Get an eye exam and see clearer. Find a vision provider near you here. If you use a computer throughout the day, be sure to incorporate breaks to give your eyes a rest. Your eyes will thank you.