Routine vs. Medical Eye Exams

Both routine and medical eye exams are similar in that they can include an examination performed by an eye care professional, refraction, pressure testing, and dilation. An optometrist can perform both types of exam. When it comes to a routine eye exam versus a medical eye exam in Midtown Manhattan, there are some differences.

Routine Eye Exam

A routine eye exam is what most people think of when they picture a classic eye exam. This is where an eye doctor will determine your prescription or perform contact lens fittings. The optometrist uses refraction to determine your prescription. Along with the refraction, you will also get an overall evaluation of your eyes in order to make sure that they are healthy and have no present medical issues.

Medical Eye Exam

A medical eye exam evaluates a patient for a medical condition. Certain tumors, diabetes, cancer, strokes, and high blood pressure can make their presence known in the eye. There are also medical issues with the eye and not things that can be easily fixed with contacts or glasses. These include macular degeneration, cataracts, retinal detachments, and glaucoma. When doing a medical exam, these are the things that an eye doctor is looking for.

Sometimes, a routine eye exam can turn into a medical exam. For example, if you go to the eye doctor because you have blurry vision and think you just need to update your prescription and the final diagnosis is cataracts, the exam may become a medical exam.

Differences in Insurance

The main reason for the distinction in the exams is due to insurance. It will still depend on your policy, plan, and provider, but some providers will give you coverage for a medical exam but not a routine eye exam. Other providers may require a copay on a routine eye exam but not a medical eye exam.

Visiting an Optometrist in Midtown Manhattan

It’s important to visit your optometrist regularly in order to make sure your eyes are healthy. Contact Lawrence S. Forgacs, O.D., for your next eye exam.