Has it been a while since you've seen an optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam? If you are over a certain age or have specific health risk factors, an eye examination is a very important part of your annual health care.
You might think the eye exam is just to collect prescription information for those who require glasses. Not so! In fact, there are two important parts to an eye examination: visual acuity and eye health. Most eye exams follow the same process, allowing the optometrist to diagnose, treat and ideally prevent your visual system from being affected by eye diseases or disorders. Many eye health issues cause damage before there are noticeable symptoms, so regular eye examinations are essential.
We’ve put together information to help you prepare for your next eye exam and what to expect during your visit.
Preparing for your eye exam
To help your eye exam go smoothly, here is a list of items to bring with you:
- A list of questions or concerns you have about your eyes or vision.
- A list of ongoing or recent health problems, eye disease and family history
- An up-to-date list of your medications
- Your contact lenses, glasses, and sunglasses.
- Your contact lens case. The optometrist may dilate your pupils during your examination. If you wear contact lenses, you will need to remove them.
During the eye exam:
An eye exam lasts anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour. First, your optometrist will ask you questions about your daily activities, your eye health history, and any diseases or conditions that may run in your family, such as diabetes and glaucoma, recent changes, new medications, or health concerns. This is the time to go over your list of questions or concerns with the Optometrist.
Depending on your age, your symptoms and the condition of your eyes, you may need different types of examinations. For example, you may have a retinal or optic nerve exam related to diabetes or glaucoma.
Your optometrist will examine your eyes for signs of damage by harmful UV and blue light. They will also check to see if your sunglasses provide adequate eye protection and, if not, prescribe a sun solution.
Your optometrist will “test” your eyes to verify or update your prescription. They will explain how to improve your vision with new lens technologies, laser vision correction or cataract surgery and how nutrition and supplements can help protect your vision and eye health.
Here are some of the tests done during an eye exam:
Air puff test: The optometrist will look for signs of glaucoma, the second leading cause of blindness. To do this, they will blow air into your eyes. This method does not cause pain or discomfort.
Visual acuity test: You will read letters on the Snellen chart. This test evaluates your vision from near and far.
Fluorescein staining test: The optometrist will put a yellow dye, called fluorescein, on the surface of your eyes. This test is used to assess dry eyes and check for corneal abrasion or scratches.
Refraction: this test is done if you wear or need glasses. You will look through a device that looks like a mask. This device, with its many lenses, is called a refractor. The combination of lenses will change until the optometrist finds what gives you clear vision. The test identifies problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
Examination of the retina and optic nerve: The optometrist will use medicated eye drops to dilate your pupils. They will examine the blood vessels and nerve at the back of your eyes for signs of disease.
Once your eye exam is complete, the optometrist will explain your visual acuity results and your prescription for glasses, contact lenses or refractive surgery if needed. They will discuss your level of risk of developing certain eye diseases and explain proactive measures you can take to protect your vision.
Finally, the optometrist will refer you to an optician who will help you choose your prescription glasses and/or contact lenses and sunglasses.
Your vision is precious. Examinations by an optometrist ensure good vision and peace of mind.
