Eye Exams in West Des Moines, IA
Des Moines Eye Surgeons are dedicated to providing your family with a lifetime of exceptional care for your vision and eye health. From children’s examinations to routine adult and geriatric care, Des Moines Eye Surgeons offers the best comprehensive eye care in the West Des Moines area.
Comprehensive ocular examinations include:
- Measuring refractive error (prescription) needed to obtain your best vision possible. Refraction is part of your comprehensive exam (billed separately).
- A thorough review of your systemic health to identify possible disease states that may affect your eye health
- A measure of intraocular pressure in order to identify if you are at higher risk of developing glaucoma
- Binocular vision assessment to detect strabismus (eye turn) or amblyopia (lazy eye)
- A detailed dilated ocular examination to detect any signs of ocular or systemic disease such as corneal disease, cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy
- A thorough discussion with you regarding examination findings as well as recommendations and available treatment options
How Often Should You Get Your Eyes Checked?
Eye disease can occur at any age. Many eye diseases do not cause symptoms until the disease has done damage. Since most blindness is preventable if diagnosed and treated early, a regular medical examination by an eye doctor is crucial to maintaining your vision.
Newborn
An ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.), pediatrician, family doctor, or another trained health professional should examine a newborn baby’s eyes and perform a red reflex test (a basic indicator that the eyes are normal). An ophthalmologist should perform a comprehensive exam if the baby is premature or at high risk for medical problems for other reasons, has signs of abnormalities, or has a family history of serious vision disorders in childhood.
Infant
A second screening for eye health should be done by an ophthalmologist, pediatrician, family doctor, or another trained health professional at a well-child exam between six months and the first birthday.
Preschooler
Between the ages of 3 and 3½, a child’s vision and eye alignment should be assessed by a pediatrician, family doctor, optometrist, orthoptist, or person trained in vision assessment of preschool children.
Visual acuity should be tested as soon as the child is old enough to cooperate with an eye exam using an eye chart. Photo-screening is another way to check visual acuity that does not require a young child to cooperate with the test. Either approach to testing will determine whether the child can focus normally at far, middle and near distances. Many children are somewhat farsighted (hyperopic) but can also see clearly at other distances. Most children will not require glasses or other vision correction.
If misaligned eyes (strabismus), “lazy eye” (amblyopia), refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism) or another focusing problem is suspected in the initial screening, the child should have a comprehensive exam by an ophthalmologist. It’s important to begin treatment as soon as possible to ensure successful vision correction and life-long benefits.
School Age
Upon entering school, or whenever a problem is suspected, children’s eyes should be screened for visual acuity and alignment by a pediatrician, family doctor, optometrist, orthoptist or person trained in vision assessment of school-aged children, such as a school nurse. Nearsightedness (myopia) is the most common refractive error in this age group and can be corrected with eyeglasses. If an alignment problem or other eye health issues is suspected, the child should have a comprehensive exam by an ophthalmologist.
*Although your child’s pediatrician or school may do a vision screening, these may only detect gross vision problems and do not take the place of a comprehensive ocular examination with an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
Schedule an Eye Exam
Doctors at Des Moines Eye Surgeons are experienced professionals who specialize in eye care. Offering comprehensive eye exams for all ages as well as advanced cataract and LASIK surgery, we cater to the entire family. Learn how we can enhance your vision by contacting us.
