News & Information

How Long Does an Eye Exam Take?

Black glasses and alarm clock on blue background composition.

Most eye exams last between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on which exam the eye doctor performs. During this time, the optometrist will assess your eyes and diagnose any conditions or recommend some form of sight correction. If you have never had an eye exam, your first visit may last from 30 minutes to several…

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Can Low Blood Pressure Cause Blurred Vision?

Doctor checking blood pressure

Low blood pressure is typically a good thing for most people. If you have low blood pressure, you have a systolic pressure of less than 120 and a diastolic pressure of less than 80 (120/80). However, your blood pressure can reach a point where it is too low. When that occurs, you experience a condition…

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How Do I Know If I Have Low Vision?

glasses and eye chart

People commonly use the term low vision to mean that their vision is not perfect (less than 20/20). However, there is a difference between less than perfect vision and the clinical definition of low vision. If your eye doctor in West Florida informs you that you have low vision, they are likely referring to a…

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Where to Get an Eye Exam in West Florida

Woman getting an eye exam

If you live in West Florida and need to schedule an eye exam, you may not know where or how to start your search. Fortunately, Gulf Coast Vision Center has five locations across Pensacola, Pace, Milton and Crestview, Florida. No matter where you live in the West Florida area, a convenient location is nearby. Once…

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How Progressive Lenses Have Advanced

Progressive lenses have become popular with our clients due to their seamless structure, flexible viewing, durability and low cost. At their core, progressives give you line-free multifocal glasses. You get a seamless progression from your lenses that deliver magnifying power at close and intermediate ranges.  Each lens changes gradually from point to point on the…

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How Often Should I Get an Eye Exam?

A man getting his eyes checked

Regardless of your age or the quality of your vision, an eye exam is vital to your eye health. During an exam, your eye doctor checks your eyes to identify any potential problems or update you on current conditions with your vision. An examination is quick, painless, and may just prevent a serious problem from…

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Medical vs. Routine Eye Exams

Woman getting eyes checked

Most people who schedule eye exams do so for one of two reasons: It's time for a routine exam, or you require a medical exam for a specific reason. While both medical and routine eye exams cover many of the same bases, doctors perform them for different reasons. During a routine exam, your doctor is…

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What Are Optic Nerve Disorders?

Man getting eyes looked at

The optic nerve is largely responsible for carrying visual messages from your eye to your brain. These messages are what ultimately allow you to see and identify images. Naturally, any medical issue or disorder with optic nerves affects your vision. If you allow these problems to continue, they only worsen over time. If left untreated,…

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Your Guide to Multifocal Contacts

Close up of a contact lens on finger

If you have refractive vision problems or trouble with your vision as you get older, you may benefit from multifocal contact lenses. Multifocal contacts provide clear vision at all distances, and they can improve your condition if you have a condition such as presbyopia, which means you need to hold objects at a distance to…

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When Should My Child Have an Eye Exam?

Young boy getting his eyes checked

According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), you should schedule your child's first eye exam at six months of age. Your child's eye doctor will perform tests to ensure your child's eyes are healthy and that there are no problems that might interfere with normal visual development. In addition, the doctor will set your child…

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