Most people schedule an eye exam for one of two reasons: it’s time for their routine check-up or there’s a specific issue that needs attention. While both types of exams involve checking your vision and eye health, they serve different purposes and are treated differently by insurance providers. Routine eye exams help keep your vision sharp and catch any potential issues early, while medical exams are for diagnosing and addressing specific eye concerns. Knowing the difference can help you feel more prepared and ensure your eyes get the right care.
What is a routine eye exam?
A routine eye exam is the one you’re probably most familiar with. It’s a check-up to see how well you’re seeing, screen for any eye diseases, and update your prescription if needed. These exams are essential for maintaining good vision and spotting any potential issues early on when treatment is most effective. Depending on your age, risk factors, and whether you currently wear glasses or contact lenses, you might have these exams every year or every couple of years.
During a routine exam, your optometrist will assess your visual acuity (how sharp your vision is at a distance), check for early signs of eye diseases, and see if you need an updated prescription. A key component of this exam is the refraction test, where you’ll hear the familiar question, “Which is clearer: option A or option B?” This helps pinpoint your exact prescription.
Routine exams often identify conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism—these are considered vision issues, not medical conditions.
What is a medical eye exam?
Medical eye exams are more specialized and focus on diagnosing, treating, or monitoring specific eye conditions or symptoms. If you have certain risk factors for eye diseases or you are experiencing sudden vision loss, eye pain, floaters, or other concerning symptoms, you will most likely need a medical eye exam.
These exams might lead to diagnoses such as conjunctivitis (pink eye), glaucoma, cataracts, or dry eye syndrome. These conditions require advanced treatments and sometimes ongoing management.
Does vision insurance cover both types of exams?
Vision insurance typically covers routine eye exams and offers discounts on eyewear and contact lenses. For medical issues, you’ll need to use your medical insurance, which usually covers medical eye exams, treatments, and follow-up visits.
Keep in mind that the type of exam you receive might change based on what your optometrist finds. For example, you might need new glasses or contact lenses, so you schedule an appointment for a routine exam. However, if your eye doctor spots signs of a medical issue, they may reclassify your exam as a medical exam or schedule a separate appointment.
In conclusion
Routine exams focus on keeping your vision clear and catching issues early, while medical exams address specific eye conditions. If you’re unsure about what your insurance covers, it’s a good idea to check your plan’s benefits or contact your provider.
Are you looking to schedule an eye exam in Murfreesboro, TN? At Integrity Eye Care, we accept a variety of vision plans, medical insurance plans, and payment types (check our insurance page to see the list of accepted plans). Our expert eye doctors provide comprehensive eye exams as well as treatment options for a range of eye concerns. Reach out to us today or book your appointment online.