Refine Optometry

Comprehensive Eye Exams in Palo Alto, CA

Our Services

Comprehensive Eye Exams in PAlo Alto, CA

At Refine Optometry, we believe a comprehensive eye exam is more than just a vision check—it’s a crucial step in maintaining your overall eye health. We assess both your vision and the health of your eyes using the latest technology, ensuring we detect any potential issues early.

What’s the Difference Between a Vision Screening and a Comprehensive Eye Exam?

You may have passed a vision screening at school, work, or the DMV and think that your eyes are healthy. However, a vision screening is limited in scope, usually only checking how well you see in the distance.

A comprehensive eye exam, on the other hand, evaluates your entire visual system, including color vision, depth perception, peripheral vision, and overall eye health. We also test for conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal diseases that don’t present noticeable symptoms in early stages.

Comprehensive Eye Exams

Key Information

What to Expect During a Comprehensive Eye Exam

During your visit, we will:

  • Assess Your Vision: We’ll check how well you can see at various distances and ensure your prescription for glasses or contact lenses is accurate.
  • Evaluate Eye Health: Using advanced diagnostic tools, we’ll examine both the internal and external structures of your eyes, looking for signs of conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy.
  • Test Visual Function: We’ll measure depth perception, color vision, peripheral vision, and how well your eyes work together.

This thorough process reflects what happens during a comprehensive eye exam. We’ll take time to discuss your overall health, family medical history, lifestyle, and any medications you’re taking. These factors can affect your eye health, and our holistic approach ensures that we provide personalized care.

Benefits of Regular Eye Exams

Routine comprehensive eye exams are essential for early detection and management of conditions like dry eye disease, myopia, glaucoma, and more. Detecting these issues early can prevent further vision loss and protect your sight for the long term. Even if you aren’t experiencing symptoms, regular exams help ensure your vision stays sharp and healthy.

How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam?

We recommend annual comprehensive eye exams for patients aged 4 and up, regardless of whether or not you’re experiencing vision issues. Regular checkups are key to preventing long-term vision problems and maintaining overall eye health.

Specialized Testing

At Refine Optometry, we use advanced retinal scans to detect early signs of conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. Our retinal scans provide detailed images of the retina, allowing us to monitor and treat any changes in your eye health with precision.

How long does a comprehensive eye exam take at your Palo Alto clinic?

Our thorough eye exams at our Palo Alto location take approximately 30 to 45 minutes. This allows us sufficient time to test your vision, assess your eye health, and discuss any questions or concerns you may have with Dr. Joy Lam.

How do I book an eye exam with Dr. Joy Lam in Palo Alto?

Scheduling an appointment with Dr. Lam is easy and simply, call us or book online via our website. If you’re a new patient or an existing patient, we’ll assist you in finding an appointment time that suits your needs.

How long do eyes stay dilated after an exam?

If your eyes are dilated, the effects typically last for 2 to 4 hours. You may experience some blurry vision and sensitivity to light during this period, so it’s a good idea to have sunglasses and possibly avoid driving immediately after your appointment with Dr. Joy Lam.

Do you provide pediatric eye exams in Palo Alto or Santa Clara?

Yes! We offer pediatric eye care in our Palo Alto office ages 4 years old and up and see families from Santa Clara and the surrounding communities. Dr. Lam is warm with children making each visit as comforting and fun as possible.

What diseases can be detected in an eye exam?

A thorough eye exam in Palo Alto can detect a variety of health problems, such as glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, macular degeneration, and even high blood pressure. That’s why regular visits with an established optometrist in Palo Alto such as Dr. Joy Lam is so vital.

Can you drive after an eye exam?

If your eyes are not dilated, driving afterwards is generally okay. But if dilation is included in your exam, your vision may be a little cloudy or sensitive to light for a few hours, so bear that in mind, especially if it’s sunny outside. Our eye doctor in Palo Alto will guide you better for the same during your appointment.

Can you get an eye exam while pregnant?

Yes, you can safely have an eye exam while pregnant. In fact, hormonal shifts can sometimes shift your vision, so it’s a good idea to have it checked. Please inform us  that you’re pregnant when you schedule your appointment, and   Dr. Lam, a reputed Palo Alto Optometrist will avoid dilation and tailored the exam to your needs.

Can you wear contacts to an eye exam?

Yes, you can wear your contacts to the appointment at Refine Optometry. Just bring your case, solution, and your latest prescription if you have it. Depending on the tests or if you are having new lenses, we might require you to take them out during part of the visit.

Can dry eye be detected during an eye exam in Palo Alto?

Absolutely. During your eye exam, we’ll look closely at your tear film and overall eye surface health. If you’re dealing with burning, redness, or blurred vision, let us know. Refine Optometry offers dry eye evaluations and solutions right here in Palo Alto.

Comprehensive Eye Exams

Schedule Your Exam Today

Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Book your comprehensive eye exam in Palo Alto today and take the first step toward healthier, clearer vision.