Common Eye Conditions Detected During an Eye Exam

An eye exam is much more than a routine check of your prescription. It offers a deeper look at the health of your eyes: Potentially revealing early signs of conditions that may not yet be causing symptoms. At Vision Source Fredericksburg Road, your place for an eye exam San Antonio, TX, we use each exam as an opportunity to protect your vision from problems that can quietly develop over time with eye care near you. Catching these issues early allows for better treatment, clearer vision, and peace of mind.

Refractive Errors

The most common reason people schedule an eye exam is to address blurry vision. This is often due to a refractive error, which affects how light focuses on the retina. The main types include:

•             Myopia (nearsightedness) – Difficulty seeing objects at a distance.

•             Hyperopia (farsightedness) – Difficulty focusing on close-up objects.

•             Astigmatism – Blurred or distorted vision caused by an irregularly shaped cornea.

•             Presbyopia – Age-related difficulty focusing on near objects, typically beginning in the 40s.

Dry Eye Syndrome

If your eyes often feel gritty, burn, or water excessively, you may be experiencing dry eye syndrome. During an exam, we assess your tear film and eyelid health to determine whether the eyes are producing enough tears. Left untreated, dry eye can lead to discomfort, visual fluctuations, and even damage to the corneal surface.

Cataracts

Cataracts involve the gradual clouding of the eye’s natural lens, often developing with age. Early cataracts may cause increased glare, faded colors, or the feeling that your glasses aren’t working as well as they used to. Cataracts can be monitored for many years and surgery is only recommended when they begin to interfere with daily activities.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is often called the "silent thief of sight" because it can progress without noticeable symptoms. It involves damage to the optic nerve, often related to increased eye pressure. During your exam, we measure this pressure and examine the optic nerve for early signs of change.

Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the central part of the retina and can interfere with detailed vision used for reading or recognizing faces. Early AMD may not cause symptoms but it can be detected during a dilated eye exam or through specialized imaging. Catching it early allows for lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medical treatment to help slow progression of the disease.

Diabetic Eye Disease

For individuals with diabetes, eye exams are a crucial part of health care. High blood sugar can damage the blood vessels in the retina—a condition known as diabetic retinopathy. We look for changes in these vessels during your visit and coordinate care with your primary physician if needed.

Visit Us for an Eye Exam Near You

At Vision Source Fredericksburg Road, your place for an eye exam San Antonio, TX, we believe that knowledge is power. Eye conditions may begin quietly, but with regular exams and expert care, they don’t have to stay hidden. We’re here to help you see what matters, clearly and confidently. Call us at (210) 735-5440 for an eye exam near you from an optometrist near you. If you are looking for eye care near you, we are here to help.