Monthly Archives: May 2023

Your first eye exam can be exciting and slightly nerve-wracking, especially if you’re unsure what to expect. Many who have good vision believe they don’t need to schedule an eye exam, but this is false because a regular eye exam can help care for your overall eye health by detecting signs of severe eye conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, glaucoma and more. Follow these tips to prepare for your first eye exam correctly:

1. Bring the proper documentation

Be sure to bring proper documentation to your eye appointment to ensure the process runs smoothly. Since this list may seem lengthy to some, be sure to spend some time preparing ahead of time.

Pack items like your current glasses, sunglasses and contacts in a small backpack or bag for your exam. Be sure also to add a list of your current prescription medications stored either on your phone or on a clean piece of paper. Finally, you’ll want to bring your vision insurance information, the name and address of your primary care doctor and a list of questions you may have before your visit.

2. Schedule driving arrangements

In some cases, your eye exam will require you to have your pupils dilated. This is usually only common for individuals over 60 years old who need to be tested for diseases like glaucoma, cataracts and degenerative eye diseases. The eyes are dilated with eye drops that block parasympathetic receptors, allowing the pupil to enlarge so the doctor can easily examine the back of your eye.

If you end up having your eyes dilated, be sure to schedule a ride home from the doctor’s office and wear eye protection to ensure the glare from the sun doesn’t damage your eyes.

3. Prepare for visual tests

During your visit to the doctor’s office, you’ll be subject to both a visual acuity and visual field test. During the visual acuity test, the doctor will screen if you need glasses or contacts by asking you to identify letters printed on an alphabet chart or screen. During a visual field test, your doctor will test your peripheral vision by allowing you to press a button every time you register a blinking light in your peripheral vision.

Contact our friendly team at Utah Eye Centers to schedule your first eye exam today. Visit our website or give us a call 801-476-0494.

If you’ve recently received a refractive error diagnosis and are ready to order contact lenses, there are a few factors to consider before going all in on your purchase. The right contact lens choice depends on your budget, diagnosis and cleaning habits among other factors.

The type of contact lenses you choose is unique to your situation because everyone handles their diagnosis and tolerance for wearing contact lenses differently. We’re here to help you through the diagnosis process and make choosing the right contact lenses a breeze. Follow these tips:

1. Understand the length of wear

Before you purchase contact lenses, you’ll want to establish your preferred length of wearing them. If you have less sensitive eyes, consider wearing weekly or monthly contact lenses. When you purchase reusable contact lenses, you’ll need to store them in a clean contact lens case filled with disinfecting contact solution. Be sure to replace these lenses as soon as they expire because they are prone to bacteria build-up and wear out.

Daily disposable lenses are available for those who don’t want to worry about the cleaning and maintenance that goes into contact lenses. Although this is a more expensive option, you can easily toss these contact lenses out at the end of the day and grab a new pair in the morning.

2. Choose soft or rigid contact lenses

Most individuals who use contact lenses for the first time opt for soft contact lenses due to the comfort and increased airflow to the eye. Soft contact lenses are made of materials like flexible hydrogel or silicone hydrogel compared to stiff plastic like polymethyl methacrylate in rigid contact lenses.

However, rigid contact lenses are proven to be gas permeable, reduce bacteria buildup and provide sharper vision than soft lenses. If you’re a Veteran in the eyecare space, this is the perfect option.

3. Are you wanting to change your eye color?

Colored contact lenses are popular for aesthetic purposes because they can enhance or completely change your eye color. Since these contact lenses are a bit thicker than usual, they may not be suitable for everyday use.

If you do use them on special occasions, they are a great fit for Halloween costumes and other theatrical events.

At Utah Eye Centers, we’re committed to providing the quality eye care you need by offering general, retina, pediatrics, cosmetic and refractive care. Visit our website or call 801-476-0494 to learn more.