A routine eye examination consists of a variety of standard tests designed to measure visual acuity and other vision faculties, as well as observe the general health of the eye and check for common eye diseases.  There is no pain or discomfort associated with an exam, and they typically take less than an hour.

During a routine eye examination, your eye care provider can perform a refraction.  Refractions determine whether prescription eyewear would be beneficial, and what prescription may be necessary.  Another component of a routine eye examination is dilation.  By dilating the eyes, your eyecare provider can observe the general health of your eyes, and can detect many potentially debilitating eye diseases and conditions, potentially making the difference between minor damage and major vision loss.

Regardless of age, regular routine eye examinations are recommended regularly throughout all phases of one’s life.  Common intervals for a routine eye examination is usually once every one to two years.  If systemic diseases such as Diabetes Mellitus or hypertension are present, a medical eye examination may be necessary and may increase the need to be seen for follow up care more frequently.  

Common tests and evaluations during an eye exam include:

• Introductory interview:  An ophthalmic  technician or the doctor will ask basic questions about a patient’s medical history and eye health history.

• External examination: An ophthalmic  technician or the doctor inspects all outward visible parts of the eye and surrounding tissue.

• Pupil inspection:  The patient’s pupils will be inspected for equal size and regular shape.  Then the doctor tests how they react to light and objects at various distances.

• Eye muscle health and mobility:  Eye movement is checked in six directions (corresponding to the six extraocular muscles), as well as tracking a moving object (such as a pen).

• Visual field:  The patient covers one eye at a time, and with the other eye gazing straight ahead, identifies hand movement or a finger count in peripheral vision.  A more detailed visual field is obtained by testing with a Humphrey Visual Field or Goldmann Visual Field.

• Visual acuity:  A common means of measuring visual acuity is the Snellen chart.  This is a large card or projection with progressively smaller horizontal lines of random block letters.  The test determines how well a patient can discern detail at a given distance.  Patients taking this test will cover one eye and then read aloud the letters of each row, starting from the top.  The smallest row that can be accurately read indicates the patient’s visual acuity in that eye.

• Refraction:  This test is used to find the best corrected vision, if necessary for prescription eyewear or contacts.  The doctor will try various lenses in front of each eye, as the patient focuses on a chart at a distance or up-close, to help determine the best power of correction.

• Color vision:  An ophthalmic technician or the doctor shows the patient a series of images with symbols embedded in color dots or patterns.  Based upon the patient’s ability to identify the symbols, certain types of colorblindness can be diagnosed or ruled out.

• Ophthalmoscopy:  This test is often done with an ophthalmoscope, a handheld instrument with light and magnifying lenses.  Alternatively, the doctor may use other means, such as a slit lamp, which affords a more three-dimensional view.  Ophthalmoscopy aims to inspect the retina and surrounding internal eye.  This test can help diagnose problems with the retina or detachment of the retina, and monitor diseases like glaucoma and diabetes.  An opacity in the eye can indicate a cataract.  Sometimes dilation of the pupils with eye drops may be necessary to allow a wider view of the internal eye.

• Tonometry:  This test measures intraocular pressure, which can be a sign of glaucoma if pressure is abnormally high.  Internal eye pressure is measured either with a puff of air at the cornea or brief direct contact with the cornea, to measure how easily it is pushed inward.

Contact us today to schedule an eye examination appointment!