At Spearfish Eye Care Center, we strive to provide comprehensive, primary eye care for the whole family. Preventative and routine eye exams are important to maintaining good eye health. Often, eye and vision problems do not have obvious symptoms or signs, but are easily diagnosed by an optometrist. By diagnosing eye and vision conditions early on, our optometrists are able provide treatment options and in many cases restore or prevent vision loss. The American Optometric Association recommends yearly or bi-yearly eye and vision exams, depending on whether you are at-risk or not. It is recommended that all children have a comprehensive dilated eye examination by the age of 3.
Eye Exam and Consultation
During an eye exam, Drs. Haivala and Robinson will ask you questions about any symptoms or issues you are experiencing, medications you are currently taking, your work environment and your overall health. Family history and previous eye or vision conditions will also be discussed during this part of the examination. Our doctors will consider this information when determining any treatments or recommendations.
Vision Testing
Regular vision testing and evaluations ensure that you always have the clearest vision possible. Our optometrists provides regular vision acuity test as part of a comprehensive eye exam. Drs. Haivala and Robinson will measure how each eye is seeing by using a wall eye chart and a reading eye chart. The results of these tests are portrayed as a refraction, with 20/20 being the standard for normal distance and reading vision. Depending on the results of your vision test, you may be prescribed glasses or contact lenses, and sometimes different eye exercises to strengthen your focusing or eye teaming skills.
Eye Function Testing
In addition to vision testing, an eye exam in our office includes testing eye functionality. Our optometrists perform several tests to evaluate depth perception, color vision, eye muscle alignment, peripheral vision, and responsiveness to light. Several other simple tests are completed to determine whether the eyes are focusing, moving, and working together properly. The test results enable our doctors to diagnose any underlying conditions that may be impairing the eyes ability to focus or work together.
Eye Health
As part of a comprehensive eye exam, our optometrists examine the overall health of the eye through a visual examination and tonometry. Drs. Haivala and Robinson evaluate eye health by visually inspecting the eye and eyelids using magnification and a bright light. To examine the internal structures of the eye, we may dilate the pupils. We also have the Optos optomap camera, which takes a wide-field photo of your retina even without dilation, allowing us to obtain an excellent view of the retina to monitor for eye disease. Increased eye pressure may be an indicator of glaucoma, so we always check your pressure with tonometry.
