Center for Sight Watertown

Regular eye exams are essential for maintaining healthy vision and detecting potential eye problems early. Even if your vision seems clear, an exam can uncover issues like glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration before they cause noticeable symptoms.

A routine eye exam primarily focuses on your vision and determining whether you need glasses or contact lenses. During the exam, the eye doctor performs several tests, including:

• Visual acuity: Measures how clearly you see at near and far distances using eye charts.
• Peripheral/visual field testing: Checks side vision to detect blind spots or early signs of glaucoma.
• Color vision testing: Determines if you have difficulty distinguishing colors, which can affect daily tasks.
• Eye movement and focusing tests: Ensures your eyes work together and can shift focus smoothly between distances.
• Basic eye health evaluation: Looks at the cornea, lens, retina, and optic nerve for any visible signs of disease.

Routine exams also allow your prescription for glasses or contact lenses to be updated if needed. The frequency of exams depends on age, health, and risk factors, with most adults benefiting from an eye exam every one to two years.

Scheduling a routine eye exam helps keep your vision clear and your eyes healthy. Be sure to mention any vision changes or health concerns, and whether you wear contact lenses when booking your appointment so the eye doctor can provide the most thorough care.

LASIK, or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a popular and advanced refractive surgical procedure designed to correct common vision problems. Using a precise laser, LASIK reshapes the cornea to improve the way light enters the eye. This outpatient procedure (also called ambulatory or day surgery) is known for its effectiveness and rapid recovery. Other types of refractive surgery include procedures like photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK), and implantable lenses (which is non-lasik).

LASIK effectively corrects nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism by reshaping the cornea to improve visual focus. While LASIK primarily addresses refractive errors, it doesn't treat eye diseases. It's not a solution for conditions like glaucoma or cataracts but is an excellent option for those seeking freedom from glasses or contacts. LASIK is suitable for individuals looking to reduce or eliminate dependence on corrective lenses for everyday activities. It offers a long-term solution for those with stable vision prescriptions.

While optometrists (ODs) can support you during the evaluation and post-surgery stage and refer you to a specialist, LASIK surgeries are performed by licensed ophthalmologists (MDs) using their expertise to ensure precision and safety throughout the procedure. Center for Sight Watertown is offering LASIK surgery services and can determine your suitability for the procedure and discuss your specific vision correction needs.