Eye and Vision Exams in Napa, CA

Most people are familiar with standard vision tests. Children often have them at school, and adults may even be required to take one when applying for a job. These acuity tests are also necessary when applying for a driver's license. However, doing well on a vision screening does not mean you have no signs of eye disease. These screenings do not provide a complete look at the health of your eyes. That is why receiving a full eye test at Eye Specialists of Napa Valley on a regular basis is especially important. We provide comprehensive eye exams in Napa, CA, that integrate many important tests, allowing our talented team of board-certified physicians to examine your total ocular health. These vision tests in Napa, CA, are instrumental in detecting serious, vision-threatening issues, such as macular degeneration and glaucoma. To help you stay on top of your ocular health, we encourage you to schedule regular appointments with our team at our Napa, CA, ophthalmology practice. It is particularly important to visit us if you have noted any changes in your vision or if it has been over two years since your last comprehensive evaluation. Our doctors have experience working with adults and children and look forward to helping you.

Eye and vision exams at our modern office can benefit our patients in many ways. During your appointment, one of our board-certified providers will discuss eye care routines for healthy eyes, along with a reading and vision test. If you wear contact lenses or glasses, it is recommended that you have a vision exam annually to account for any changes in vision. Some of the other benefits of eye and vision exams include:

• Improved eyesight
• Identifying potential vision problems
• Early detection of eye conditions or diseases

We recommend regular eye exams in Napa, CA, to everyone in the community. Children should receive their first eye exam at six months of age and then again when they turn three. If there are no signs of vision problems such as refractive errors, children should see the eye doctor once every two years. If your child has a refractive error, it is recommended that they visit the eye doctor to update their lens prescription once a year. We suggest annual eye exams for patients 55 or older to look for signs of eye diseases like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts.

At Eye Specialists of Napa Valley, we suggest that until the age of 40, patients have their eyes evaluated at least every five years and then every two years until age 55. After 55, we suggest annual eye exams. Eye exams in Napa, CA, usually take 30 – 90 minutes and begin with a basic visual acuity test. A refraction will allow us to determine if corrective lenses will improve your vision. We will then perform a slit lamp exam to get an enlarged, 360-degree view of your eyes. For some patients, we may dilate their eyes so we can evaluate the macula, retinal blood vessels and periphery, optic nerve, and vitreous. Specialized scans and photos of your eye, as well as visual field testing, are also performed as necessary. If we need to dilate your pupils, you may consider bringing a friend or family member to drive you home following your exam, as the dilation can last a few hours.

When your eye exam is finished, someone will talk to you about scheduling your next checkup. Your age, testing results, risk factors, and other details will help determine how often you need eye exams. Even patients who get fantastic results need to continue to schedule eye exams a minimum of every 2 – 4 years. That way, if any issues develop, they can be caught and treated before they progress. You may need to set up another appointment for additional testing or treatment if Dr. Bosetti detects any signs of a possible concern. Keep in mind that if we dilate your pupils, you may be asked to bring an adult who can drive you home afterward.

Which eye conditions can be detected in an eye exam?
Eye exams check for several eye conditions and diseases, including:

• Glaucoma
• Age-related macular degeneration
• Cataracts
• Diabetic retinopathy

How often should I have an eye exam?
At Eye Specialists of Napa Valley, we suggest that until the age of 40, patients have their eyes evaluated at least every five years and then every two years until age 55. After 55, we suggest annual eye exams.

How long does an eye exam take?
A typical eye exam in Napa, CA, lasts between 30 – 90 minutes.

Can an eye exam detect health problems or diseases?
Yes, it can. Some of the health issues an eye exam can detect include:

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune diseases
• Certain cancers
• Thyroid disease
• Lupus
• Lyme disease

Can I drive after an eye exam?
Whether you can drive after an eye exam depends on the procedures performed during the visit. If your pupils were dilated using eye drops, you may experience temporary blurred vision and light sensitivity, making it unsafe to drive immediately afterward. In such cases, it’s advisable to have someone accompany you to ensure a safe journey home.

Is there anything I shouldn't do after an eye exam?
After an eye exam, especially if your pupils were dilated, there are a few things you should avoid to ensure your comfort and safety. It’s best avoid exposure to bright lights or direct sunlight without sunglasses, as your eyes may be more sensitive. Activities that require intense focus, such as reading or using screens, should also be limited until your vision returns to normal.

Oftentimes, people do not think about their eyes until a vision impairment occurs. However, eye health involves more than simply what you can see. We welcome you to schedule comprehensive eye tests in Napa, CA, for yourself and your loved ones with our talented ophthalmologists and optometrist at our ophthalmology office. Eye Specialists of Napa Valley uses advanced technologies and tests to ensure that any issues are treated and managed properly. We are here to help you with your eye care needs during every phase of life.