Eye Disease Evaluation

When to book an evaluation rather than a routine exam

• Blurred vision that glasses do not fix, or vision that fluctuates
• A red, painful or light-sensitive eye
• New floaters, flashes or a shadow in the vision, which are urgent: call right away
• Distortion of straight lines, or a blurred patch in the center of vision
• Persistent dryness, grittiness or watering
• Double vision, drooping lids or unequal pupils
• A finding from an optometrist or physician, such as high eye pressure, a suspicious optic nerve or retinal changes
• A systemic condition with eye effects: diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune or thyroid disease, or a medication that needs eye monitoring

What the evaluation involves

The visit starts with the history of the problem, then the examination and testing follow from it. A dry eye complaint leads to tear film testing and gland imaging; a glaucoma suspect to pressure, gonioscopy, OCT and visual fields; a retinal symptom to dilation and macular OCT; a corneal problem to topography and tomography. Many evaluations reach a diagnosis in one visit; some need a second visit for repeat or specialized testing. You leave knowing what has been found, what it means, and what happens next.

Diagnosis and next steps

The outcome may be treatment started here, monitoring at a set interval, a referral to a retina, glaucoma or oculoplastic specialist we work with, or reassurance that the eye is healthy and the symptom benign. A report goes to your referring doctor or primary care physician where appropriate.

Urgent symptoms

Sudden loss of vision, a curtain or shadow, severe eye pain, a painful red eye in a contact lens wearer, chemical injury or trauma are urgent. Call (855) 456-2253 and tell us it is urgent; a physician is on call 24/7 for our patients. For severe symptoms, go to the nearest emergency department.