A medical eye exam is different from a routine vision exam. At Bauer Eyecare, medical eye exams are used to diagnose, evaluate, and manage eye problems, eye diseases, injuries, and symptoms that need medical attention.

If you are experiencing redness, eye pain, flashes, floaters, infections, dry eye symptoms, or sudden vision changes, you may need a medical eye exam instead of a routine eye exam.

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What is a medical eye exam?

A medical eye exam focuses on a specific eye health problem, symptom, or diagnosis rather than just updating your glasses prescription.This type of exam is used to evaluate concerns such as eye infections, eye injuries, dry eye, allergies, glaucoma, retinal issues, and other medical conditions that affect the eyes.

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How is a medical eye exam different from a routine eye exam?

A routine eye exam is usually performed to check your vision, update your prescription, and monitor general eye health. A medical eye exam is performed when there is a specific medical concern involving your eyes.

For example, if you have blurry vision because your glasses prescription changed, that may be part of a routine eye exam. If you have blurry vision because of an infection, injury, retinal problem, or eye disease, you may need a medical eye exam.

 

What symptoms mean I may need a medical eye exam?

You may need a medical eye exam if you have symptoms such as:

• Red eyes

• Eye pain

• Eye irritation

• Burning or dryness

• Sudden blurry vision

• Flashes or floaters

• Light sensitivity

• Eye discharge

• Swelling

• Foreign body sensation

• Loss of vision

• Injury to the eye

If you have a sudden or serious change in your vision, it is important to call right away.

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What conditions can be evaluated during a medical eye exam?

At Bauer Eyecare, medical eye exams may be used to evaluate and manage conditions such as:

• Dry eye disease

• Eye infections

• Pink eye

• Allergic eye disease

• Corneal abrasions

• Eye injuries

• Styes

• Blepharitis

• Glaucoma

• Retinal conditions

• Flashes and floaters

• Inflammation of the eye

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Can a medical eye exam include treatment?

Yes. A medical eye exam is often the first step in diagnosing and treating an eye condition. Depending on your condition, treatment may include prescription eye drops, recommendations for home care, follow-up visits, additional testing, or referral if needed.

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Do I need a medical eye exam for dry eye?

Yes. If your symptoms are more than occasional dryness and include burning, irritation, fluctuating vision, redness, or discomfort, a medical eye exam may be needed to diagnose dry eye disease and determine the best treatment plan.

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Do flashes and floaters require a medical eye exam?

Yes. New flashes, a sudden increase in floaters, or a shadow or curtain in your vision should be evaluated as soon as possible. These symptoms can sometimes be related to a retinal problem that needs prompt attention.

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Is a medical eye exam covered by medical insurance?

A medical eye exam is often billed through medical insurance when the visit is related to a symptom, diagnosis, or medical eye condition. Coverage depends on your insurance plan and the reason for the visit.

 

Why choose Bauer Eyecare for a medical eye exam?

At Bauer Eyecare, we take eye symptoms seriously. We work to identify the cause of your problem, explain what is happening, and recommend the right treatment or follow-up care for your eyes.

If you are having eye pain, redness, irritation, flashes, floaters, dry eye symptoms, or sudden vision changes, contact Bauer Eyecare to schedule a medical eye exam.