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Services In
the Eye Care Clinic, optometrists perform routine eye exams, dispense
contact lenses and provide treatment of eye disease. These doctors
of optometry specialize in examination, diagnosis and treatment
of impairment and disease of the visual system. Treatment may include
prescription of medicine, glasses, contact lenses, other optical
aids or vision therapy.
The Optical Shop maintains a large and complete selection of prescription
frames and lenses. In addition, a complete line of sports, recreational
and protective eyewear is available at competitive prices.
What happens during
an eye exam? A comprehensive eye exam begins with
a complete health history. Allergies, chronic diseases (e.g. diabetes),
prescription and non-prescription drugs and health conditions such
as high blood pressure can all affect vision. The optometrist will
check the interior and exterior eye as well as the surrounding area
for defects and disease, as well as assess the ability to see clearly
at near and far distances, eye coordination, color vision, depth
perception, refractive error and field of vision. Based on the results
of this examination, the optometrist may prescribe medication, corrective
lenses (glasses or contact lenses) or vision therapy as needed.
We recommend that you bring sunglasses to wear
after your exam because your eyes may be sensitive to sun after
dilation. We do provide disposable sunglasses for your use if you
forget yours.
Most people can drive after a visual exam. However, if you are
farsighted you may have visual impairment and would have to wait
a few hours to drive. For this reason, you may wish to make
transportation arrangements before your exam.
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How often should
I have my eyes checked? Eye examinations for preventive
care are an important part of eye health. Anyone with a history
of visual problems should get routine preventive care. People who
wear contact lenses should get an exam annually. An exam every two
years is sufficient for adults in their mid-twenties to mid-thirties.
Yearly exams become important in the late thirties when changes
in vision and focus along with eye diseases are more likely to develop.
Squinting, blinking, rubbing eyes frequently, headaches, changes
in vision and difficulty with visual concentration within arm's
length may be signs of eye problems and should be checked by your
optometrist.
What visual aids
are available at UHS?
Contact lenses have certain advantages over
glasses. They allow a natural field of view since there are no
frames to block side vision. Also, they move with the eye so that
the wearer usually looks through the center of the lens where
vision is the best. The keys to successful contact lens use are
personal motivation, proper fit, proper lenses and continuous
professional care.
Lens choice is determined by several factors including:
- the length of time an individual wishes to wear the lenses
each day
- the prescription needs
- the cost (rigid lenses may initially cost up to 50% more than
soft, but they generally last longer and have smaller daily
upkeep expenses)
Rigid gas permeable (RGP) and soft contact lenses are the most
common contact lenses. RGP lenses are small lenses, about 1/3
inch in diameter, which partially cover the colored portion of
the eye. They usually take a little longer to adapt to than soft
contact lenses, but they allow significantly more oxygen to the
cornea and may be worn for longer periods of time. Soft contact
lenses, on the other hand, are easy to use because the eye quickly
adapts to them. They do not allow as much oxygen to the cornea,
however, so they should not be worn as many hours as the RGP lenses.
Also, if the lens wearer intends to live in an isolated area
for any length of time, he or she should make sure that there
is a facility at which either gas permeable or soft lenses can
be checked or replaced as needed.
We do not recommend sleeping in your contact lenses because eyes
do not get enough oxygen to stay healthy. We also recommend that
you do not neglect routine care of disposable lenses.
See also
For Contact Lens Wearers: How to Care for Your Eyes When You Travel (PDF).
Eye glasses Wearers should select frames to
compliment their individual lifestyle. Not all lens sizes, tints
and materials are appropriate for every person. The selection
of the style, type and color of eye glasses should be made carefully
and discussed with a professional eye wear dispenser. Should you
have a prescription change, the Optical Shop can custom make new
lenses to fit your current frames. Options include:
- Sport and recreational glasses promote safety and comfort
for a variety of sports.
- Sunglasses help the eyes adapt to bright conditions. They
should be worn to eliminate tearing, squinting and blinking,
or to protect eyes during prolonged exposure to the sun. Sunglasses
should not be worn at night (particularly when driving) because
they reduce the amount of light entering the eyes and therefore
decrease visual ability.
- Occupational safety glasses protect the eyes from chemicals
or other particles. They may be required for laboratory work
or for work with some machinery.
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What is vision
training? Vision training refers to the use of exercises
as a means of improving conditions that cannot be adequately treated
with eye glasses or contact lenses alone (e.g. poor eye coordination/movement/focus,
crossed eyes and lazy eyes). Training may include use of lenses,
prisms, filters and activities designed to improve visual skills.
These techniques may alleviate symptoms such as headaches around
the eyes or back of neck, difficulty reading and sleepiness when
doing close work.
How can
I get a prescription for eye wear filled?
Contact lens prescriptions: You must first receive
a complete vision exam through the Eye Care Clinic to ensure that
the contact lenses fit correctly and there are no other eye problems
or conditions that warrant further attention. For easy replacement
of lenses and for consistency of care, we recommend that contact
lens wearers establish a relationship with one of the optometrists.
Prescriptions for regular glasses, sports and occupational
eye wear are generally ready in one or two days, although
special orders may take a week or more. You may fill your home
doctor's prescription for glasses at the UHS Optical Shop.
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How can I visit
the Eye Care Clinic and Optical Shop? You can make
an appointment by calling Appointment Scheduling at 734-764-8325
or stopping by Appointment Scheduling (2nd floor) or Eye Care Clinic
(3rd floor).
For medical conditions such as conjunctivitis, acute visual disturbances,
foreign bodies or injuries to the eye, walk-in visits and same-day
appointments are available.
The Optical Shop is open Monday through Friday 8 AM - 4:30 PM (except 12-1 PM) for
walk-in visits.
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What fees and
insurance apply? Please ask about costs when you
make an appointment. See How can I visit
the Eye Care Clinic and Optical Shop?
Enrolled UM students Routine eye exams are not
covered by the health service fee. There will be no fee if students
need eye care because of a medical condition (e.g. conjunctivitis,
injury).
Insurance coverage
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