Eye Exam at Northern Avenue Eye Care in Phoenix AZ
Clear vision starts with a comprehensive eye exam that goes beyond how well you see. At Northern Avenue Eye Care, we focus on protecting your eye health and ensuring your prescription is up to date. Our experienced optometrist takes the time to answer your questions and explain your results.
What is an Eye Exam
An eye exam is more than just checking if you need glasses. It’s a comprehensive eye and vision checkup. Eye doctors use special tools and tests to see how well your eyes work and to spot early signs of any problems.
Your eyes change over time, and sometimes those changes happen so slowly you don’t even notice. Regular eye exams help your doctor detect vision changes early and ensure your eyes stay healthy.
During the exam, the doctor checks how clearly you see, how your eyes move, and how they work together to focus. They also look into your eyes to check for signs of diseases such as glaucoma or cataracts.
Even if your vision seems fine, it’s still important to have an eye exam every year. Many eye problems don’t have symptoms at first, and early detection can make treatment easier and more effective.
At Northern Avenue Eye Care, our doctors take the time to carefully examine your eyes, answer your questions, and help you understand your results. We make every visit comfortable and stress-free.
What to Expect During Your Eye Exam in Phoenix AZ
If you’ve never had an eye exam before, don’t worry, it’s simple, safe, and painless. Most exams take about 30–60 minutes.
Here’s what usually happens:
- Vision test: You’ll read letters or shapes on a chart to check how clearly you can see at different distances.
- Eye movement test: The doctor watches how your eyes move and work together.
- Refraction test: You look through lenses while the doctor asks which looks clearer to find your exact prescription.
- Eye health check: The doctor shines a small light into your eyes to check the retina and optic nerve.
- Pressure test: A gentle puff of air or a special device measures the pressure inside your eyes to detect signs of glaucoma.
Some exams include dilation, where the doctor uses drops to widen your pupils. This helps them get a better look at the back of your eyes. At Northern Avenue Eye Care, we use modern tools to make the exam quick and comfortable. Our goal is to help you see clearly and keep your eyes healthy for life.
Why Regular Eye Exams Are So Important
Many people think they only need an eye exam when they have blurry vision, but that’s not true. Eye exams are an important part of your overall health care, even if your vision feels perfect.
Here’s why they matter:
- Detecting early problems: Eye exams can spot signs of diseases like diabetes or high blood pressure before you notice symptoms.
- Preventing vision loss: Regular exams help doctors detect and treat conditions like glaucoma and macular degeneration early.
- Updating prescriptions: Vision can change at any age, so keeping your glasses or contacts up to date helps you see your best.
- Supporting kids’ learning: A Clear vision helps children do better in school and sports.
How Technology Has Improved Eye Exams
Modern eye exams are faster, easier, and more precise than ever before, all thanks to advanced technology. Eye doctors now use digital tools to measure, scan, and photograph your eyes in ways that weren’t possible before.
Here are some examples of new technology used during exams:
- Retinal imaging: High-resolution cameras capture detailed images of the back of your eyes, helping detect early signs of disease.
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): This scan shows layers inside your retina, helping doctors find hidden signs of eye disease.
- Digital phoropters: These let your doctor quickly switch between lenses for an accurate prescription in seconds.
- Autorefractors: These devices give a starting point for your prescription before fine-tuning it manually.
How To Prepare for Your Eye Exam
Preparing for an eye exam is easy, but a few simple steps can help your visit go smoothly.
Here are some helpful tips:
- Bring your glasses or contacts if you use them.
- Write down any vision changes, like headaches or trouble reading small print.
- List your medications; some can affect your vision.
- Bring your insurance info and photo ID.
- Avoid driving right after dilation if you know your pupils will be dilated.
What Happens After Your Eye Exam
After the exam, your doctor will explain your results in simple terms. You’ll learn if your vision has changed and if you need new glasses or contacts. If your eyes are healthy, you can schedule your next routine checkup for the following year.
If your doctor finds a problem, don’t worry; most eye issues are easy to manage when found early. They might suggest eye drops, special lenses, or follow-up visits to monitor your eyes.
You’ll also get helpful tips for protecting your eyesight, such as taking screen breaks, eating eye-friendly foods, and wearing sunglasses outdoors.
At Northern Avenue Eye Care, our team supports you every step of the way from your first exam to your ongoing care. We take time to explain everything clearly and help you make the best choices for your vision health.
Meet Your Eye Doctor
Dr. Robert Clanton, O.D.
Optometrist
Meet Dr. Robert Clanton, a caring optometrist who helps patients of all ages. He grew up in Kansas, studied at the University of Houston College of Optometry, and has cared for patients since 1994.
Dr. Clanton provides contact lens fittings, diabetic and glaucoma exams, treatment for red eye, and post-cataract surgery care. Patients describe him as calm, gentle, and easy to talk to. He takes time to make sure every person feels relaxed and leaves seeing more clearly than before.
Schedule a Professional Eye Examination Today!
Trust Northern Avenue Eye Care for exceptional eye care and diagnostic precision. To book your appointment, contact us at (602) 995-8848 or visit our facility.
Contact Information:
2337 W Northern Ave
Phone: (602) 995-8848
OFFICE HOURS
Monday
8:30am - 5:30pm
Tuesday
8:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday
9:00am - 1:00pm
Thursday
8:30am - 5:30pm
Friday
8:30am - 3:00pm
Saturday & Sunday
Closed
Northern Avenue Eye Care
2337 W Northern Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85021