Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee Eye Care

What Are the Most Common Eye Conditions?

There are several common eye conditions that affect people of all ages. Some of the most frequently diagnosed include:

• Myopia (Nearsightedness): A condition where distant objects appear blurry.
• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): Close objects may appear blurry while distant objects remain clear.
• Astigmatism: A curvature issue with the cornea that causes blurred vision at all distances.
• Presbyopia: Age-related loss of the eye’s ability to focus on nearby objects.
• Cataracts: A clouding of the eye’s lens that leads to vision impairment.
• Glaucoma: A group of diseases that damage the optic nerve, often leading to vision loss.
• Macular Degeneration: A deterioration of the macula, affecting central vision.
• Diabetic Retinopathy: Vision complications caused by diabetes that can lead to blindness if untreated.

If you are experiencing symptoms such as blurry vision, eye strain, headaches, or floaters, it’s important to schedule an eye exam to identify potential issues early.

How Often Should I Get an Eye Exam?

The frequency of eye exams depends on age, overall health, and whether you wear corrective lenses:

• Children (under 18): Every year, or as recommended by a pediatric optometrist.
• Adults (18-39): Every two years, unless vision changes or eye conditions are present.
• Adults (40-64): Every one to two years, with screenings for presbyopia, glaucoma, and cataracts.
• Seniors (65+): Annually, as the risk of eye diseases increases with age.
• People with Diabetes: At least once a year due to the risk of diabetic retinopathy.

Regular eye exams are essential to detecting early signs of eye conditions and maintaining long-term vision health.

What Happens During an Eye Exam?

An eye exam typically consists of several tests, including:

• Visual Acuity Test: Measures how well you see at various distances.
• Refraction Test: Determines your exact prescription for corrective lenses.
• Eye Pressure Test (Tonometry): Screens for glaucoma.
• Retinal Examination: Evaluates the health of the retina and optic nerve.
• Pupil Dilation: Helps detect underlying diseases such as macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.

Your eye doctor will discuss any findings and recommend treatments or lifestyle changes to optimize your vision health.

How Do Contact Lenses Work?

Contact lenses sit directly on the surface of your eye to correct refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. There are several types of contact lenses available:

• Soft Lenses: Flexible and comfortable for daily wear.
• Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses: Offer sharper vision and are more durable.
• Daily Disposables: Designed for single-use convenience.
• Extended Wear Lenses: Can be worn overnight for a set duration.

Proper fitting and care are essential to maintaining healthy eyes while using contact lenses. Our optometrists provide thorough fittings to ensure comfort and safety.

What Is an Eye Doctor?

An eye doctor can be either an optometrist or an ophthalmologist, both of whom specialize in maintaining and improving vision health. They work together as a team to provide comprehensive eye care.

• Optometrists hold a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree and focus on primary vision care. They perform routine eye exams, prescribe corrective lenses, detect early signs of eye diseases, and provide treatments for minor eye infections and conditions like dry eye syndrome.
• Ophthalmologists are medical doctors (MDs or DOs) who specialize in diagnosing, treating, and managing eye diseases, as well as performing surgical procedures such as cataract surgery, LASIK, and retinal treatments for diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.

Both professionals collaborate to ensure patients receive the best care possible. This teamwork ensures that patients benefit from well-rounded and specialized eye health services.

Why Is Retinal Care Important?

The retina is responsible for transmitting visual information to the brain. Retinal conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration, can lead to vision loss if left untreated. Regular screenings help detect issues early, allowing for effective treatment options, including:

• Laser therapy for retinal tears
• Injections to manage macular degeneration
• Surgery for severe retinal detachment cases

Maintaining retinal health is vital to preserving long-term vision.

What Are Progressive Lenses?

Progressive lenses provide a seamless transition between multiple vision strengths, eliminating the need for bifocals or trifocals. Benefits include:

• Clear vision at all distances
• No visible line between different prescriptions
• A more natural viewing experience

If you struggle with presbyopia, progressive lenses may be the ideal solution.

How Can Seniors Maintain Good Eye Health?

As we age, the risk of eye diseases increases. Seniors should prioritize the following for better vision health:

• Annual comprehensive eye exams
• Managing chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension
• Eating a diet rich in antioxidants (leafy greens, fish, and nuts)
• Wearing UV-protected sunglasses outdoors
• Avoiding smoking, which increases the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration

Tennessee Eye Care provides specialized services tailored to senior eye health needs.

How Can I Protect My Child’s Vision?

Children’s vision plays a vital role in learning and development. Key tips to ensure optimal eye health include:

• Scheduling pediatric eye exams
• Encouraging breaks from screen time to reduce eye strain
• Ensuring proper lighting when reading or doing homework
• Selecting durable and well-fitting eyeglasses when needed

Tennessee Eye Care offers kid-friendly exams and a range of eyewear options suitable for children.

Contact Tennessee Eye Care Today!

Your eye health is our priority at Tennessee Eye Care. Whether you need an eye exam, new glasses, contact lenses, or specialized treatments, our team is here to help. Book an appointment today and take the next step in preserving your vision.