Eye exams are critical for maintaining healthy eyesight, identifying vision problems, and detecting potential eye diseases early on. If you are due for an eye exam or have never had one before, it’s natural to feel a bit unsure of what to expect. With this in mind, we at Eyewear Candy Optical RX would like to talk you through the typical process of a comprehensive eye exam and what you can expect during your appointment.
Patient’s Medical Health History Review
Your eye doctor will start by reviewing your medical history and any symptoms you may be experiencing. Your general health, family history of eye diseases, and any medications you are taking are discussed. If you’re experiencing any specific eye-related issues like eye pain, blurred vision, or eye fatigue, be sure to let your eye doctor know.
Visual Acuity Test
The visual acuity test is perhaps the most familiar part of an eye exam. It involves reading letters of different sizes on a chart from a distance of 20 feet. The test measures your ability to see details at a distance and determines if you need corrective lenses.
Refraction Assessment. If you require corrective lenses, your eye doctor will perform a refraction assessment to determine the correct prescription for you. During this test, you’ll look through a device called a phoropter while your eye doctor switches lenses to find the combination that gives you the clearest vision.
Eye Muscle Test
An eye muscle test checks how well your eyes work together and how quickly they move. During this test, you’ll be asked to follow a moving object with your eyes. The eye doctor will also check for any muscle weaknesses or problems with eye alignment.
Visual Field Test
The visual field test measures your peripheral vision, which is your ability to see objects to the side without moving your eyes. During this test, you generally stare at a central point and indicate when you see a light appear in your peripheral vision.
Retinal Examination
The retinal examination is where the eye doctor looks inside your eye with a device called an ophthalmoscope or a slit-lamp microscope. This allows them to see your retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels to check for signs of diseases like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.
Additional Eye Tests
Depending on your medical history and any symptoms you’re experiencing, your eye doctor may perform additional tests. These can include a color vision test, a contrast sensitivity test, or an OCT scan that uses light waves to create detailed images of the retina and other structures inside the eye.
Vision & Eye Health Discussion & Recommendations
Once your exam is complete, your eye doctor will discuss the results with you and make recommendations based on your specific needs. This can include a prescription for glasses or contact lenses, advice on lifestyle changes to protect your vision, or a referral to a specialist if further treatment is required.
Eye Exams, Eyeglasses, Sunglasses & More in Delray Beach, FL (Just Minutes Away from Boca Raton, Highland Beach, Kings Point, Golf & Boynton Beach, Florida)
Ultimately, a comprehensive eye exam typically involves a series of tests to assess your vision and overall eye health. By knowing what to expect, you can feel more at ease and better prepared for your appointment. Remember that regular eye exams are essential for maintaining healthy eyesight and preventing potential vision problems and diseases. Call Eyewear Candy Optical RX today to schedule your eye exam!