Eye Examinations Specialist

Cataract & Vision Center of Hawaii

Ophthalmologists & Optometrists located in Honolulu, HI

Eye exams are a vital part of maintaining good eye health for Honolulu area residents, and the doctors at Cataract & Vision Center of Hawaii understand that every patient’s eyes are unique. Eye exams give the doctors valuable details about their patients’ vision which helps them provide the very best in diagnosis and treatment.

Eye Examinations Q & A

How Often Should Eye Examinations Be Done?

Eye examinations should be done annually for most patients, although patients who have eye diseases or who are at high risk for issues such as macular degeneration may need to be seen more frequently. Children need to have vision examinations as infants, and then at all their regular well-child visits in the future. Once children start school, it's recommended that they have annual eye examinations with one of the experienced eye doctors at Cataract & Vision Center of Hawaii.

How Does an Eye Examination Work?

Before an eye examination, the doctor asks the patient to complete a medical history, including a history of vision care. The typical eye examination includes several eye tests, including muscle movement, how the eyes work together, and the pupil's ability to dilate.

All of the parts of the eye are usually examined, depending on whether the patient has their eye dilated. When the eyes are dilated, the doctor can check the retina, cornea, iris, blood vessels, and the upper part of the optic nerve. The doctor asks the patient to perform simple vision tests that help them determine whether the patient needs a prescription for glasses or contact lenses.

How is a Patient's Prescription Found?

A visual acuity test is typically the first thing that the doctors at Cataract & Vision Center of Hawaii do to determine a patient's prescription. The patient may be familiar with this type of test from childhood eye exams, as it involves reading letters aloud from a projected eye chart. With the information gained from the visual acuity test, the doctor uses a computerized refractor to find the exact prescription.

As the doctor moves between different prescriptions, they’ll ask the patient whether each option is “better, worse, or the same?”. This process may take some time, as the patient needs to carefully consider which lenses allows them to see the most clearly.

Is Dilation Always Needed During an Eye Exam?

No. Dilation isn't always needed during eye exams. Dilation is the best way for the doctor to see the retina and surrounding structures clearly, but if the patient simply needs a new eyeglass or contact lens prescription, the dilation isn't usually needed.

 *Individual Results May Vary

Accepted Insurance Providers

Cataract & Vision Center of Hawaii accepts most insurance plans. If you do not see your insurance listed, please call our office and speak with one of our knowledgable staff members. We also accept patients without insurance. Mahalo!

Aetna
AlohaCare
HMAA
HMSA
Humana
MDX
Medicare
Secure Horizons
Tricare
UHA Health Insurance
United Healthcare Community Plan
VSP