Eye Exams Specialist

Cliffside Laser Eye and Cataract Center

Richard Levine, MD

Refractive Cataract and LASIK Specialist

Eye exams can help ensure lasting eye health and address any vision problems or eye diseases before they become larger concerns. This is especially important for diseases like glaucoma that develop gradually without causing obvious symptoms, making worsening and irreversible complications more likely. Richard Levine, MD, is pleased to provide comprehensive eye exams for people in Cliffside Park, New Jersey, which include tests for vision, general eye health, and glaucoma. To book an exam with Dr. Levine at Cliffside Laser Eye and Cataract Center, use the online scheduler, or phone the office.

Eye Exams Q & A

What happens at a comprehensive eye exam?

During your comprehensive eye exam, Dr. Levine examines your eyes to look for common vision problems as well as signs of eye diseases. This starts with dilation, through drops in your eyes, and the whole process is painless.

Be prepared to discuss your overall health and any vision changes. Bring any prescription glasses or contacts to your appointment, as those are checked as well. Each exam takes roughly 45-90 minutes. Routine eye exams can help protect your vision and keep your eyes as healthy as possible throughout your life.

What conditions are diagnosed during comprehensive eye exams?

The most common conditions diagnosed stem from refractive errors that cause blurry vision, including:

  • Nearsightedness, or myopia, in which close objects appear clear and far objects appear blurry
  • Farsightedness, or hyperopia, in which distant objects appear clear and near objects appear blurry
  • Astigmatism, in which the cornea is curved, causing blurriness

How does the doctor test for glaucoma?

Glaucoma tests are part of comprehensive eye exams. Using tonometry, a test that detects the condition by assessing eye pressure, Dr. Levine may direct a brief puff of air into your eyes or apply a pressure-sensitive tip against or near each eye. If the test shows higher-than-normal pressure, you may have glaucoma and may need additional testing.

How do the vision tests work?

Your comprehensive eye exam includes two primary vision tests. The visual field test measures your peripheral vision and allows Dr. Levine to determine if you’ve lost vision. This is another sign of glaucoma, but may also simply indicate the need for glasses, contacts, or an increased prescription for your current vision aids. The visual acuity test measures how well you can see at various distances.

Who should get comprehensive eye exams?

You should aim to see Dr. Levine for a comprehensive eye exam every one to three years depending on your age, risk for disease, and overall physical health. Kids should have routine eye exams to ensure normal vision development and to prevent any problems seeing or learning in school. Older adults tend to hold higher risks for eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.

No matter what your health or age, regular eye exams can help detect any issues that arise early.