Eye Exams
in Lubbock, Texas

At West Texas Eye Associates, our optometrists and ophthalmologists work together to provide comprehensive eye care for patients throughout West Texas.

Schedule Eye Exam

Why Are Eye Exams Important?

You don’t always know when something is changing inside your eyes.

Some eye diseases can progress gradually and may cause few noticeable symptoms during their early stages. By the time your vision changes, the condition may already require treatment or closer monitoring. An eye exam gives your doctor an opportunity to identify changes earlier and establish a baseline that can be compared with future exams.

Your eyes can also provide information about your overall health. Changes inside the eye may sometimes be associated with systemic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

That is why an eye exam isn’t only about determining whether you need new glasses. It is an important part of protecting your sight and your overall health.

A woman in about to have her eye exam at West Texas Eye Associates.

What Is a Routine Eye Exam?

A routine eye exam generally focuses on your vision and on determining whether you need vision correction. Routine exams are typically associated with getting new glasses or contact lenses.

During the exam, your eye doctor may:

Check how clearly you can see
Measure your glasses or contact lens prescription
Determine whether your prescription has changed
Evaluate how your eyes work together
Discuss changes you have noticed in your vision

What Is a Comprehensive Eye Exam?

A comprehensive eye exam looks beyond your prescription to evaluate the overall health of your eyes.

Depending on your age, medical history, symptoms, and individual needs, your exam may include:

Visual acuity testing
Refraction to measure your prescription
Eye pressure testing
Evaluation of the front and internal structures of the eye
Retinal or optic nerve imaging
Pupil and eye movement testing
Dilation when appropriate

These tests can help your eye doctor look for signs of glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, retinal problems, and other eye conditions.

What Does an Optometrist Do?

Optometrists are often the first point of contact for ongoing eye care.

At West Texas Eye Associates, our optometrists can perform comprehensive eye examinations, evaluate changes in your vision, diagnose and manage many eye conditions, and monitor your eye health over time.

They also work closely with our ophthalmologists when patients need additional medical or surgical care.

Image of an Optometrist conducting tests on a patient at West Texas Eye Associates, TX.

Imagery of an Ophthalmologist conducting surgery at West Texas Eye Associates, TX

What Does an Ophthalmologist Do?

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the eye and performing eye surgery.

If your exam identifies a condition that requires specialized treatment, your optometrist may coordinate your care with one of our ophthalmologists.

Our ophthalmologists provide care for a wide range of conditions and procedures, including cataracts, glaucoma, retinal disease, corneal conditions, and other medical and surgical eye care needs.

Having optometrists and ophthalmologists work together allows patients to receive ongoing eye care from a single coordinated team.

Eye Exams Can Help Detect Common Eye Conditions

A comprehensive eye exam may help identify or monitor a variety of conditions.

Cataracts

Cataracts occur when the natural lens inside the eye becomes cloudy. They can cause blurry or hazy vision, glare, difficulty driving at night, faded colors, and frequent prescription changes.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma damages the optic nerve and can lead to permanent vision loss. Some forms of glaucoma can progress without noticeable symptoms, making regular evaluation particularly important for patients who may be at increased risk.

Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for detailed central vision. Eye exams and retinal imaging can help doctors look for changes associated with the condition.

Diabetic Eye Disease

Diabetes can damage blood vessels inside the retina. Patients with diabetes may need regular dilated eye examinations so their doctor can monitor for diabetic retinopathy and other changes.

Dry Eye

Burning, watering, redness, fluctuating vision, or a gritty feeling can all be symptoms of dry eye. An eye exam can help determine what may be contributing to your symptoms and which treatment options may be appropriate.

Cataracts occur when the natural lens inside the eye becomes cloudy. They can cause blurry or hazy vision, glare, difficulty driving at night, faded colors, and frequent prescription changes.

Glaucoma damages the optic nerve and can lead to permanent vision loss. Some forms of glaucoma can progress without noticeable symptoms, making regular evaluation particularly important for patients who may be at increased risk.

Age-related macular degeneration affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for detailed central vision. Eye exams and retinal imaging can help doctors look for changes associated with the condition.

Diabetes can damage blood vessels inside the retina. Patients with diabetes may need regular dilated eye examinations so their doctor can monitor for diabetic retinopathy and other changes.

Burning, watering, redness, fluctuating vision, or a gritty feeling can all be symptoms of dry eye. An eye exam can help determine what may be contributing to your symptoms and which treatment options may be appropriate.

What Should I Expect During My Eye Exam?

Your appointment will usually begin with a discussion about your vision, symptoms, medical history, medications, previous eye conditions, and any concerns you may have.

Your eye care team will then perform testing based on the type of examination you need.

Your doctor will review the results, examine your eyes, and discuss any findings with you. If additional testing, treatment, or follow-up care is recommended, we’ll explain the next steps.

Some patients may also have their eyes dilated. Dilating drops temporarily enlarge the pupil so your doctor can get a better view of structures inside the eye, including the retina and optic nerve.

When Should You Schedule an Eye Exam?

How often you need an eye exam depends on your age, medical history, eye health, family history, and other individual risk factors.

Your eye doctor may recommend more frequent examinations if you:

Have diabetes
Have glaucoma or a family history of glaucoma
Have macular degeneration or retinal disease
Have previously had eye surgery
Take medications that may affect the eyes
Have significant changes in your vision
Are being monitored for an existing eye condition

You should also contact an eye care professional if you experience new or worsening vision changes.

Sudden vision loss, a sudden increase in flashes or floaters, severe eye pain, or other significant changes may require urgent medical evaluation rather than waiting for a routine appointment.

Schedule Eye Care at West Texas Eye Associates

Your eyesight can change over time, and so can the health of your eyes. At West Texas Eye Associates, our team provides care ranging from comprehensive eye examinations and ongoing disease management to specialized medical and surgical treatment.

Schedule online 806-792-5900

Eye Exam FAQs

Yes. Clear vision does not necessarily mean that every part of your eye is healthy. Some eye diseases can develop before they noticeably affect your vision.

Not every patient needs dilation at every visit. Your eye doctor will determine whether dilation is appropriate based on your eye health, medical history, symptoms, and the reason for your examination.

Optometrists provide comprehensive eye care, vision correction, and diagnosis and management of many eye conditions. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who provide medical and surgical treatment for eye diseases. At West Texas Eye Associates, the two work together as part of your care team.

An eye doctor cannot diagnose diabetes from an eye exam alone, but changes in the retina may be associated with diabetes. Patients with diabetes also need ongoing eye care because the condition can affect the blood vessels inside the eye.

Coverage depends on the reason for your visit and your individual vision or medical insurance plan. Routine vision benefits and medical eye care are often handled differently. Our team can help answer questions about your appointment and coverage.