What Happens at an Eye Exam

An eye exam is a crucial component of maintaining healthy eyesight. For those 19 and under or 65 and older it's recommended that you get your eyes checked once a year, regardless of whether you have any vision problems or not. For those between 20 and 64 it’s recommended to get your eyes checked every two years. However, if you have any underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes or hypertension, you may need to get your eyes checked more frequently.

If you're going for an eye exam for the first time or you're not sure what to expect, here's what you can anticipate:

History and Symptoms

Before the exam, the optometrist or ophthalmologist will ask you about your medical history, including any past eye issues or surgeries, medications, and family history of eye conditions. They'll also ask you about any current symptoms, such as blurry vision, eye pain, or discomfort.

Visual Acuity Test

The visual acuity test is the most common test performed during an eye exam. This test involves reading letters or numbers from an eye chart placed at a specific distance. The optometrist or ophthalmologist will use this test to determine if there are any changes to your vision..

Refraction Assessment

If the optometrist or ophthalmologist determines that you need glasses or contact lenses, they'll perform a refraction assessment to determine the appropriate prescription strength. This test involves using a phoropter, which is a device that contains lenses of different strengths. You'll look through the phoropter while the optometrist or ophthalmologist changes the lenses until they find the best prescription for your eyes.

Eye Movement and Alignment Test

The eye movement and alignment test checks how well your eyes work together. The optometrist or ophthalmologist will ask you to follow a moving object, such as their finger or a pen, with your eyes while keeping your head still. This test helps them detect any eye muscle problems that could cause double vision or eye strain.

Eye Pressure Test

The eye pressure test, also known as tonometry, measures the pressure inside your eye. High eye pressure can be a sign of glaucoma, a condition that can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss. The optometrist or ophthalmologist may use a special tool called a tonometer or a non-contact tonometer to measure your eye pressure.

Slit Lamp Exam

A slit lamp exam is a diagnostic procedure used by your optometrist or ophthalmologist to examine the structures of the eye in detail. During the exam, the patient sits in a chair and places their chin on a chin rest while the optometrist uses a slit lamp biomicroscope, a special type of microscope, to examine the front structures of the eye, such as the cornea, iris, lens. With an additional lens the optometrist will also look at the back part of eye, including the vitreous humor and posterior aspect of the retina. The exam can identify potential eye conditions or diseases.

Dilated Fundus Eye Exam

If necessary, the optometrist or ophthalmologist may administer eye drops to dilate the pupil, which allows for a better view of the inside of the eye. The patient may experience blurry vision and sensitivity to light for a few hours after the exam. This test helps them detect any signs of eye diseases, such as retinal holes, tears, or detachment as well as better assess for macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, or cataracts.

Additional Tests

Depending on your symptoms and medical history, the optometrist or ophthalmologist may perform additional tests, such as a visual field test, an OCT scan, or a color vision test.

Conclusion

In conclusion, an eye exam is a vital part of maintaining healthy eyesight. By getting your eyes checked regularly, you can detect any eye problems early on and prevent them from getting worse. Remember, if you experience any changes in your vision or eye health, don't hesitate to schedule an appointment with an eye care professional