Eye Exams in San Francisco
Why Routine Eye Exams Matter
Vision care is essential because many eye diseases develop silently, showing no early symptoms. At LaserVue Eye Center, our experienced team of ophthalmologists and optometrists provides comprehensive eye care using advanced diagnostic technology at our San Francisco and Santa Rosa locations. These tools allow us to detect conditions early—often before vision changes occur—so treatment can be started promptly to help prevent permanent vision loss.
Routine eye exams not only help you see your best but also serve as an important part of overall health care. Conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, macular degeneration, and early cataract formation can progress without noticeable signs. Regular exams ensure these issues are identified and monitored before they threaten your vision.
How often should you have an eye exam?
Most adults should have a comprehensive eye exam every 1–2 years, depending on age, eye health, and risk factors. People with existing eye conditions, systemic health issues, or a family history of eye disease may need to be seen more frequently.
You may be at higher risk for developing vision problems if you:
- Have diabetes or another underlying autoimmune or inflammatory condition
- Have a family history of glaucoma, macular degeneration, or other hereditary eye diseases
- Have had previous eye injuries or surgeries
- Smoke or have a history of long-term tobacco use
- Spend significant time outdoors without UV-protective sunglasses
- Are over age 40 (risk increases further after age 60)
What to Expect During a Comprehensive Eye Exam
A complete eye exam at LaserVue includes:
- A review of your medical and vision history
- Visual acuity testing for distance and near
- Refraction to determine your prescription
- Eye pressure measurement for glaucoma screening
- Evaluation of the cornea, lens, optic nerve, and retina
- Dilated eye exam for a full health assessment
- Advanced imaging when needed, such as OCT or retinal photography
These steps allow our team to identify early signs of eye disease, even when your vision still feels normal.
How Often Should I Have My Eyes Checked?
The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends eye exams based on age and individual risk factors. Routine exams help detect vision changes early and identify eye diseases long before symptoms appear.
Children (Ages 3–18)
Your child should have their first comprehensive eye exam between ages 3 and 5, ideally before entering kindergarten. After that, a full eye exam is recommended every 1–2 years, depending on vision needs and risk factors. School screenings are helpful but do not replace a comprehensive exam.
Adults Ages 20–39
Adults who wear glasses or contact lenses should have an eye exam every year to maintain an accurate prescription and monitor eye health. Those with medical conditions—such as diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune disease, or a history of eye injury or surgery—should also be seen annually. Adults without corrective lenses or known risk factors should have a comprehensive exam every 1–2 years, or sooner if vision changes occur.
Adults Ages 40–64
At age 40, everyone should receive a baseline comprehensive eye exam to screen for age-related eye conditions such as presbyopia, cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. After this baseline exam, adults should continue having routine eye exams every 1–2 years, even if they have no symptoms or do not require corrective lenses. This helps detect early signs of chronic diseases, including diabetes and hypertension.
Adults Age 65 and Over
We will check for vision changes, eye diseases and other conditions that may affect the eyes in our offices in San Francisco, Santa Rosa, and Mountain View. A comprehensive eye exam will usually include glaucoma and cataract testing. During your exam you may wish to bring someone with you to drive you home. When dilation of the eye occurs the sensitivity to light will make your near vision blurry for several hours.
How Often Should I Have My Eyes Checked?
If you experience any of the following, you should schedule an eye exam promptly:
- Sudden or recurrent blurry vision
- Increased floaters or flashes of light
- Eye pain, redness, or pressure
- Difficulty driving at night
- Trouble reading small print or needing more light than usual
- Dryness, irritation, or burning that does not improve
- Frequent headaches or eye strain
- Double vision
- A noticeable decline in vision in one or both eyes
These symptoms may indicate a change in your prescription—or an underlying eye condition that needs immediate attention.
Ready to SEE a Change?
Helping you to achieve your personal best vision is our mission at LaserVue Eye Center. Wondering where to start?
Please complete the fields on the right to schedule a free consultation and discuss your options with our eye doctors! You can also Call 1-800-527-3745 to speak with our staff.
