Family Eye Care

What is a Routine Eye Exam?

Young healthy people without a personal or family history of eye problems in greater Atlanta, Suwanee & Lithonia, should schedule routine eye exams every two or three years. As we age we become more at risk for many common eye and medical diseases; therefore, having an annual eye exam is very important. For people who already wear glasses and contacts a yearly exam is especially important. Most contact lens and eyeglass prescriptions that are more than one year old are considered expired and will not be filled without an exam.

People with diabetes or a family history of eye disease should have their eyes examined at least once a year. Diabetes, in particular, can lead to very serious eye complications. Certain professions require eye exams - pilots and military personnel, among others.

Diagnosis of eye disorders is initially based on the symptoms that a person is experiencing, the appearance of the eyes, and the results of an examination. It is important to know that certain eye diseases do not have symptoms. That is why seeing your eye doctor regularly is crucial.

Difference between a Routine Eye Exam and a Medical Eye Exam?

The type of eye exam you have is determined by the reason for your visit or your chief complaint, as well as your diagnosis. Thomas Eye Groups' routine vision exams in Atlanta usually produce final diagnoses such as nearsightedness or astigmatism, while medical eye exams produce diagnoses such as "glaucoma." Most insurance companies focus on the reason for your visit.

Routine Eye Examinations: A “routine eye exam” takes place when you come in for an eye examination without any medical eye problem, and your eyes are examined for any needed correction and any potential indicators of eye disease. 

Medical Eye Examinations: A “medical eye examination” is the examination, treatment, and management of an eye condition or diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and many other potentially sight-threatening diseases or injuries. These exams are treated like any other medical exam and can be filed with your insurance carrier. The way your eye exam is submitted to your insurance carrier will depend not only upon what you tell the doctor but also what the doctor finds upon examination.

Please remember, there are vision plans that do not cover medical exams and medical plans that do not cover routine eye care in Atlanta. It is also important to note that routine or medical exams at Thomas Eye Group will also contain refraction. This is typically not a covered part of the exam. Be sure to check with your insurance company to determine coverage.

Family Eye Care