How Does a Medical Eye Exam Differ From a Traditional Exam?

Medical eye exams and routine traditional exams may include the same tests but have different purposes. Medical eye exams aim to assess the eyes based on various symptoms. Traditional or routine eye exams help doctors examine eye health and check for different issues. Most people get eye exams because it is time for their scheduled checkup or a specific purpose. 
 

Medical Eye Exam or Routine Exam
 

When scheduling an eye exam, you should determine the goal to ensure you get the right service. Establishing whether you need a medical or a traditional exam is also vital for insurance purposes. The type of coverage you get will depend on your insurance plan. 
 

A medical eye exam allows the doctor to determine the cause of specific symptoms you may have. It helps to come up with a diagnosis. On the other hand, you can schedule a routine eye exam even without symptoms.  
 

During Traditional Eye Exams

During a routine or traditional eye exam, eye doctors perform various assessments. A vision check helps determine if you have perfect vision or require vision correction. The exam can result in a diagnosis of myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism. 
 

If you wear corrective lenses, you may require prescription renewal. The doctor also performs tests to check your eye health and medical condition. The exam can help to detect early signs of eye diseases. 
 

During Medical Eye Exams

A medical eye exam allows eye specialists to examine the symptoms you are experiencing to determine the cause. If you have issues with vision or eye comfort, the doctor will investigate the cause. 
 

If you suffer from chronic pain, experience light flashes, or other eye issues, a medical exam will assess your condition. The exam may result in a diagnosis of cataracts, glaucoma, dry eye, conjunctivitis, or other eye diseases. 

Insurance for Eye Care

Insurance coverage for eye care will depend on your policy. Medical insurance does not usually cover routine eye exams but covers medical eye exams. Those that cover routine exams put a limit on the number of exams covered. They pay part or all of the exam cost but give a timeline and frequency. 
 

Medical insurance plans usually pay for medical exams to assess certain eye conditions. Vision insurance usually covers most expenses for eye care. The coverage will depend on the type of policy or the vision benefits plan you have. 
 

Why Schedule Eye Exams 

The eyes are complex organs. Besides allowing you to see, the eyes can help doctors detect signs of eye diseases and other health conditions. Scheduling regular eye exams helps maintain good eye and overall health. 
 

Several health conditions can affect eye health, including diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, strokes, and tumors. Whether you need a medical eye exam or a routine exam will depend on your condition. 
 

Factors to consider include your age, symptoms, and eye health. Visiting an eye doctor is essential, whether you need a medical diagnosis or a checkup. An evaluation of your eye health is vital for overall wellness. 
 

For more on how a medical eye exam differs from a traditional exam, visit Sight & Specs Optometry at our office in Queens, New York. Call (718) 470-2280 to book an appointment today.