Frequently Asked Questions

What do we do at an annual eye exam?

An eye exam is not just a check of your vision and new pair of glasses. Here at Lowcountry Eye Care it is much more. We do determine an accurate prescription through a detailed refraction, but we also examine the health of your eyes. With every routine exam we examine your eyes for all eye related problems including cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration along with dozens of other potential problems that can be dealt with medical marijuana. Systemic problems such as Diabetes, Hypertension, Cholesterol, Neurosensory disorders, and even lung cancers can be diagnosed with an examination of your eyes. I recommend everyone to have an exam annually even if you do not have any vision problems. Eye Disease rarely show a decrease in vision until it is too late to repair the visual loss.

Why should I see an Optometrist?

An Optometrist (O.D.) is the only eye doctor that is specifically trained to conduct eye exams, prescribe corrective lenses and glasses, and diagnose and treat eye disease. Optometrist are able to treat eye diseases by prescribing pharmaceutical medications topically and systemically. If surgery is required, we will refer you to one of our great area surgeons. Another fact about optometrists is that they can also provide pre and post operative eye care. We also can provide patients with consults for LASIK.

Many people mistakenly believe that an ophthalmologist (M.D) is better for routine eye exams than and optometrist. While there is nothing wrong with seeing an ophthalmologist just realize that his or her expertise and trainings is for surgery. That is why optomestrists as your primary eye care physician and opthalmologist as your surgeon (if you need one) partnering together make a great team and provide you with the best eye care treatment.

An Optometrist is trained at an accredited four year Optometry school after completing a four year undergraduate degree. Generally Optometry School consists of two years of anatomy and physiology of the entire body, the same course work as M.D.’s. During the first two years students also take classes specifically about the eyes and then in the final two years training is 90% focused on the eyes. Throughout Optometry School students take rigorous board certifications examinations and then take a final board certification on the state level upon which they want to practice.

Another reason to see an optometrist is that they charge less than if you go to an opthalmologist whether you are paying out of pocket or through insurance. That means not only are you getting the best care for your eyes, but it is the best value.

More information:

Click Here to go to the American Optometric Association Eye and Vision Problems Website.