Eye Exams - Senior Adults….. ages 65+
Cost: paid by Alberta Health Care
Frequency: every year
What’s included in my eye exam?
Our optometrists take routine eye exams one step further to ensure that you leave understanding your eye health and your vision solutions. Senior eye exams include the following:
computerized visual field screening
retinal photography
digital retinal imaging screening with OCT technology to look under your retina to screen for glaucoma and macular degeneration,
a review of your work and hobbies for specialized visual requirements
a detailed medical history of eye-related conditions
a detailed ocular history (personal and family)
a thorough eye health examination
puff-less eye pressure check
A thorough vision examination with digital auto-refraction and manual refraction for eyeglasses
A review of our findings and recommendations at the conclusion
A copy of your eyeglass prescription
Our optometrists provide comprehensive eye exams for seniors (anyone age 65 or older). Regular eye exams become significantly more important as we get older since the prevalence of eye conditions and eye diseases increases over time.
Albertans 65 years of age or older should have an eye exam at least once per year. Regular eye health exams allow for the early detection, treatment and possible prevention of eye related problems. Our optometrists work with your health care community to ensure the best possible care for your eyes.
Common eye conditions include:
Dilated Retinal Exam- Paid by Alberta Health Care or $55.00
A dilated retinal exam provides a thorough exam of your overall eye health and allows your optometrist further insight into eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, diabetes, age-related macular degeneration, optic nerve disease, retinal disease, floaters and numerous other eye conditions. A dilated retinal examination allows your eye doctor to have early detection of these eye diseases and start treatment early.
“Why should I have my eyes dilated?" A dilation is performed in the case of reduced vision, visual concerns and if certain medical conditions are present (such as diabetes). If your optometrist detects any eye health conditions during your comprehensive eye exam that requires further examination, they may suggest additional testing in order to investigate your ocular health more closely.
What can I expect?
Medicated eye drops are administered to enlarge the pupil. These eye drops take about 20-30 minutes to start working.
At first, you’ll notice that your near vision will start to blur slightly, then eventually you may notice distance blur. You may also become more sensitive to light. Depending on the eye drops used, your vision may remain blurry for 4-6 hours.
Interesting! People with light-coloured eyes will often react quicker to the drops than those with darker-coloured eyes. Their pupils will often dilate more, but the effects of the drops will usually wear off quicker, too.
After the procedure, we recommend you bring an extra driver or wait a few hours to drive for the effects of the eye drops to diminish. If you feel comfortable, however, you are certainly ok to drive yourself home. It’s a great idea to wear dark sunglasses after the procedure to reduce light sensitivity.
So, why doesn't eye-bar optometry just dilate everyone? Ideally, we would like to perform a detailed retinal examination on every patient every time. However, not everyone has the time to perform this type of eye exam. Many of our patients visit us during their workdays, or drive to our clinic on their own. Dilated retinal examinations can make it harder to read at work afterwards, and may blur your vision for driving or make you light sensitive. However, if your eye-bar optometrist feels that a dilated eye examination is required, they will rebook you at a more convenient time or when someone can drive you home.
Contrast Sensitivity Testing - $55.00
Contrast sensitivity testing measures the ability to distinguish between fine increments of light vs. darkness (contrast). In situations of low light or glare, reduced contrast can affect a person's visual function such as night driving and make you feel as if you are not seeing well. Certain visual diseases (such as glaucoma or cataracts) and surgical procedures such as LASIK or PRK can lead to reduced contrast sensitivity.
Both the Edmonton Police Services application and the RCMP vision application require contrast sensitivity testing for any applicant who has undergone a refractive eye surgery procedure such as LASIK, PRK or Lens Implant procedure.
eye-bar Optometry in Sherwood Park is an approved provider for contrast sensitivity testing. If you require contrast sensitivity testing, please notify us when you book your eye exam so our doctors can allocate enough time to complete the test and fill in the required paperwork.
Adults - Vision for your Lifestyle
At eye-bar, our vision correction solutions consider your lifestyle, occupational demands, safety and sports. The discussion begins with an eye-bar optometrist who will conduct a very thorough eye exam to discover any vision problems that you may have. From these results, your eye-bar optometrists will be able to discuss various options for your vision correction including: a prescription for eyeglasses, sunglasses, computer glasses, safety eyewear, contact lenses or laser vision correction.
Your eye-bar optometrist will also provide you with a detailed eye-bar eye exam review form, outlining your eye exam findings, and treatment recommendations. Following your eye exam, one of our trained Licensed Opticians will assist you in selecting the right frames, lenses and sunglasses as recommended by your eye doctor to provide you with optimal vision to suit your lifestyle needs.
Adults - Refractive Surgery Consultations
If you have been considering laser vision correction such as LASIK or PRK, implantable contact lenses or other elective eye care procedures you will benefit from a refractive surgery consultation with an eye-bar optometrist. Dr. Amy Bakelaar and Dr. Ross McKenzie work alongside local Edmonton ophthalmologists offering state-of-the-art femtosecond wavefront laser vision correction, implantable contact lenses and elective cataract procedures. Eye-bar optometrists will fully discuss your surgical options with you, allowing you to make the right decision and to choose the right surgery centre for your surgical needs. Learn More
Adults - Eye Issues: Dry Eye, Red Eyes & more
Occasionally your eyes will show signs of irritation such as dry eyes, red eyes, pink eyes and more. These more common eye health conditions need to be taken seriously and treated immediately as they can profoundly impact your daily life and negatively influence your long-term vision. Our eye doctors diagnose and treat dry, irritated and red eyes and help you return to your normal lifestyle as soon as possible.
Alberta Health Care pays for medical or emergency eye exams regardless of age.
