Medical Eye Exam
Herndon, VA
Your eyes are your windows to the world, allowing you to see, explore, and enjoy everything life has to offer. Keeping them healthy goes beyond just getting your vision checked every now and then. Medical eye exams play a crucial role in maintaining optimal eye health, detecting problems early, and preventing potential vision loss.
At Beyond Eyecare, Dr. Khaldieh uses the latest technology during medical eye exams to accurately diagnose and effectively manage eye conditions. Our advanced imaging and testing techniques help us detect problems early, giving you the best chance for successful treatment.
What is a medical eye exam?
A medical eye exam is more than just a routine vision check. While a routine eye exam focuses on how well you see and whether you need glasses or contact lenses, a medical eye exam digs deeper into the health of your eyes. When you come in for a medical eye exam in Herndon, Dr. Khaldieh will check for signs of eye diseases and conditions that could affect your vision and overall health. These exams are especially important for catching problems early on, when they’re most treatable.
Common eye conditions we address
Your eyes can develop issues without you noticing right away. Conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration often don’t show symptoms early on, which is why medical eye exams are crucial. Regular exams help us catch these problems before they can cause serious damage. Here are some conditions we look for and can help manage during a medical eye exam:
Cataracts
Cataracts happen when the natural lens of your eye becomes cloudy, leading to blurry vision, glare, and poor night vision. They often occur as a natural part of the aging process, but they may also develop due to injury, certain medications, or conditions like diabetes. During your medical eye exam, Dr. Khaldieh uses advanced equipment to spot cataracts early. Depending on their progression and how much they are affecting your vision, he may recommend treatment options to manage vision loss or surgery to replace the cloudy lens with a clear artificial one. When surgery is needed, we will refer you to an ophthalmologist for the procedure and set up follow-up visits to monitor your recovery.
Retina-related issues and retinal detachment
The retina is a thin layer at the back of your eye that helps you see by sending signals to your brain. Retinal problems, like retinal detachment, happen when the retina pulls away from its normal position, which can lead to vision loss if not treated quickly. Retinal detachment can be caused by aging, injury, or conditions like diabetes. Other retinal problems, such as diabetic retinopathy, occur when high blood sugar damages the blood vessels in your retina. Our medical eye exams use advanced imaging to spot retinal tears, detachments, and other issues early so we can create a plan to protect your vision.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can damage the optic nerve, which connects your eye to your brain. This damage is usually caused by high pressure inside the eye. Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness, especially for people over 60. It often doesn’t show symptoms early on, which is why it’s called “the silent thief of sight.”
Our medical eye exams include tests to measure your eye pressure, check the optic nerve, and assess your peripheral (or side) vision to catch glaucoma early. With early detection, we can manage glaucoma with prescription eye drops or medications, laser treatments, or surgery to prevent further damage and protect your vision.
Macular degeneration
Macular degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), affects the macula—the part of your retina that allows you to see objects directly in front of you. AMD is a common cause of vision loss in people over 50. There are two types: dry AMD and wet AMD. Dry AMD occurs when the macula breaks down and thins with age, while wet AMD is less common but more serious and happens when new, abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina.
Our medical eye exams include imaging tests to spot changes in the macula early, so we can diagnose AMD and help you manage it. While there’s no cure for AMD, early detection and management can slow its progression and help maintain your vision.
Eye allergies and other issues
Eye allergies occur when your eyes react to allergens like pollen, dust, pet dander, or mold. Symptoms can include redness, itching, watering, and a burning sensation, which can be uncomfortable and affect your quality of life. During a medical eye exam, we can suggest treatment options like eye drops, oral medications, and lifestyle advice to help manage and reduce symptoms. We can also check for other conditions, like dry eye syndrome or conjunctivitis (pink eye), to ensure your eyes stay comfortable.
Protect your eyes with regular medical eye exams
Scheduling regular medical eye exams is the best way to ensure your eyes are healthy and to catch any problems early. How often you need an eye exam will depend on your age, risk factors, and medical history. Dr. Khaldieh can recommend an optimal exam schedule tailored to your specific needs. Please contact us today or book an appointment online.