Comprehensive eye exams are comfortable and simple. It generally does not take more than 45 to 90 minutes. They are done in parts- some by an optical healthcare specialist in the eye clinic and some by your doctor.
Questions asked during eye exams
Your doctor will ask you the following questions when you sign up for eye exams near me–
- The medical history of your family.
- The medications you currently are taking, and
- Whether you have corrective lenses for vision issues or not.
What does your doctor check?
During an eye exam, your doctor uses the following to determine the health of your eyes-
- Visual acuity- This is the most common eye exam that everyone knows about. One eye is covered for reading an eye chart from different distances in order to determine whether you have 20/20 vision.
- Prescription for your corrective lenses- Your ophthalmologist will ask you to read the eye chart from a special device known as the phoropter refracting device that has different lenses. It helps your doctor determine the best contact lens or glasses for you.
- Side vision- The loss of side vision might refer to glaucoma. It helps you to detect problems of the eye you were not aware of as you often lose side vision and do not even notice it.
- Pupils- The doctor shines a light beam into your eye to check your pupils. They respond by becoming smaller. If they do not respond or become wide, this indicates an underlying problem.
- Eye movement- There is a test known as ocular motility that assesses the movement of your eye. The doctor will check to see whether your eyes are aligned. This test checks your eye muscles as well.
- Eye pressure- This test is called tonometry, and it measures the pressure in the eye. In case the pressure in your eye is elevated, it signifies the possibility of glaucoma.
- The front of the eye- The silt lamp microscope is used here to light up the eye’s front portion. This test checks the presence of cataracts, scars, and other scratches on the eye.
- Optic nerve and retina- Your doctor puts dilating eye drops into your eye to dilate or make your pupils wide. This test allows your doctor to examine your optic nerve and retina for any signs of damage due to disease.
Additional eye tests
Some tests involve the use of specialized imaging techniques. They are as follows-
- Automated visual field.
- Fundus photos.
- Optical coherence tomography or OCT.
- Topography that refers to your cornea scan.
- Fluorescein angiography or FA.
The above tests help the ophthalmologist identify any issue in the back, inside, or surface of your eye to diagnose any early signs of disease.
Every component of the above eye exams offers vital information about your eye health. Ensure you undergo a complete eye examination as an integral part of your overall eye healthcare.
Ensure you look for eye exams near me from a credible clinic known for its safety and cleanliness. Read online reviews of the ophthalmologist before you book and schedule your appointment.