At the Benjamin Eye Institute, we are proud to provide our patients with the comprehensive, preventative and cutting-edge care they need to maintain their optimal eye health for years to come. To begin a lifetime of clear vision, we must begin with an eye exam at our optometry center.
A comprehensive eye examination at the Benjamin Eye Institute includes:
Is vision clear and single at close distances? Clear sight at short distances is critical to reading, writing, close work, computer use, etc.
Do the two eyes aim, move and work as a coordinated team? Weaknesses in binocular (two-eyed) vision and eye teaming skills can cause numerous difficulties, including clumsy children and poor depth perception.
Do the eyes maintain clear vision at varying distances? Rapid, automatic eye focus adjustment is critical to learning, reading, writing, sports, etc. Deficiencies can cause visual fatigue, reduced reading comprehension, and/or avoidance of close work or other activities.
Do eye movements show adequate muscle control, tracking, fixation, etc.?
In the classroom, normal eye movements allow rapid and accurate shifting of the eyes along the line of print or from desk to board, etc. In sports, efficient eye movements contribute to hand-eye coordination, visual reaction time, and accurate tracking.
Above are just a few of the many visual measurements evaluated during our comprehensive vision exam. In addition, the health of your eyes, inside and out, is carefully examined for such problems as cataracts, glaucoma, diabetes and other conditions.
Refraction is the bending of light as it passes through another medium. Light waves are bent, or refracted, as they pass through the cornea and lens of your eye. The curve of the lens focuses the light onto the retina, or the back of the eye. The image is captured by photoreceptors in the retina and sent to the brain to create the images you see.
Blurry vision occurs when the curvature of your eye improperly focuses the light behind or in front of your retina. Any imperfection in the curve of your cornea or lens can cause light to focus incorrectly, resulting in vision problems known as refractive errors. The three most common refractive errors are:
Our routineeye exams are essential in keeping your eyes healthy and your vision working at its best. Be sure to consult with your eye care professional regarding the regularity of your visits. Generally, if you are between the ages of 20 and 30, you should be examined every two years. Yearly appointments become more important in your late thirties. No matter what your age, if you have diabetes, you should have an eye exam every year, as you are at risk for several eye disorders including diabetic retinopathy, cataracts and glaucoma.
Regular eye exams can diagnose a variety of conditions early on and are the best way to preserve your vision. Many debilitating eye diseases can be diagnosed before symptoms are noticed, potentially making the difference between minor damage and major vision loss. At Benjamin Eye Institute, we believe that early detection is your best defense against eye disease and vision loss.
When you're due, contact Benjamin Eye Institute for your eye exam. If you experience any visual changes in between your regularly scheduled visits, you should be checked by your optometrist immediately. Concerning changes can include excessive squinting, blinking, rubbing eyes frequently, headaches, changes in vision or difficulty with visual concentration.
Before your appointment, be sure to ask if the exam will affect your vision temporarily, and if you will need someone to drive you home. You may also want to ask about the cost of the exam, if your insurance will cover any of the cost, and how payment will be handled. When you arrive for your appointment, be ready to discuss any vision-related problems you have been experiencing.
In addition, you'll want to take the following steps to prepare for your appointment:
It is recommended that you have a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years, unless you notice changes in your eyesight or certain other behaviors like headaches, squinting, or blinking. Keep track of any concerning behaviors and tell your eye doctor during your appointment. At the Benjamin Eye Institute in West Hollywood a comprehensive eye exam typically takes just 30 to 60 minutes depending on your specific condition.
Bring your current glasses to your exam. You can wear contacts to your appointment, but you will be asked to take them out for parts of the exam so bring your glasses with you.
Your eye exam will be performed by one of our board-certified ophthalmologists. Each of our ophthalmologists is highly skilled and can help you identify vision problems before you even realize your sight has deteriorated.
Absolutely. Our ophthalmologists use the industry's latest technology to analyze your eyes and diagnose any vision changes or medical conditions. The non-invasive exam is also not painful. If your pupils are dilated you may experience some light sensitivity but it goes away within a few hours. The exam simply identifies any issues with vision or eye health
Most vision changes happen slowly and often go unnoticed because of the gradual change. You might not notice that your vision has worsened until the condition has progressed. Regular eye exams can identify minor changes to your vision so your glasses or contacts can be adjusted before your vision changes become inconvenient or unsafe.
An ophthalmologist can also identify potential health problems during an eye exam. The blood vessels or other structures of your eye can indicate early signs of diabetes, high blood pressure, glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and more.
You may put your vision in the best hands by asking the proper questions of a potential LASIK physician using this No-Regrets Guide. We've included our own responses to these inquiries to prevent you from having to conduct an interview. But if you need more explanation or have other worries, let us know! We are at your service.
If you first experience a disaster like dry eye, the fundamental rule and recommendation would be to speak with a skilled ophthalmologist before putting anything in your eyes. Since choosing a treatment requires more pathophysiological understanding than simply purchasing the first eye drops you see.
Pterygium removal is a surgical procedure that removes abnormal tissue growing onto the cornea, often followed by a conjunctival autograft or amniotic membrane graft to support healing and reduce recurrence. This recovery guide explains what to expect after surgery, how to use prescribed ointments and drops, why UV protection is essential, how dry eye management supports healing, and when to contact our office during recovery.
Prokera® Slim is an FDA-cleared biological medical device that uses amniotic membrane to support healing of the ocular surface. This treatment may help reduce inflammation, suppress scarring, and restore damaged eye tissue in conditions such as keratitis, chemical burns, corneal scars, epithelial defects, and severe dry eye. Prokera is placed in the office, worn continuously for several days, and removed by Dr. Benjamin at a follow-up visit.
Valeda Light Delivery System is an advanced treatment for dry age-related macular degeneration, designed to support retinal cells and help preserve visual function. The procedure uses photobiomodulation — low-level light therapy with specific wavelengths — and is performed quickly, without pain, eye drops, injections, or recovery time.
If your vision becomes blurry, hazy, or foggy months or years after cataract surgery, it may be caused by posterior capsule opacification — often called a “secondary cataract.” This is a common and treatable condition, not a return of the original cataract. At Benjamin Eye Institute, Dr. Arthur Benjamin performs YAG laser capsulotomy in the office to quickly and painlessly clear the cloudy capsule behind the lens implant, with no incisions or stitches and clearer vision often restored the same day.
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that rejuvenates the upper and/or lower eyelids by removing excess skin, fat, and muscle. This recovery guide explains what to expect after eyelid surgery, including swelling, bruising, cold compresses, suture removal, activity restrictions, and important instructions to support safe healing and the best possible aesthetic result.
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is an in-office laser treatment designed to lower intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension. This guide explains how SLT works, what to expect during the procedure, how Dr. Benjamin’s 180° treatment strategy is used, and why SLT may reduce or delay the need for daily glaucoma eye drops.
