Eye Doctor: What Kind of Tests to Expect at Your Next Exam

Whether it has been a year or several since your last visit to the eye doctor it is good that you are going for an exam. Your vision is valuable and taking great care of your eyes is essential. Your optometrist will use a variety of tests and tools to determine the health of your eyes as well as to find out whether you need corrective lenses. An exam typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour depending on whether you are a contact lens wearer or need glasses. The types of tests your doctor will do are fairly routine, however your medical history can influence the type of test that is performed.

During your exam it is common for your eye doctor to use a series of equipment and solutions to examine the health and quality of vision you are experiencing. You may remember reading from the chart as a kid, with one eye covered. This test, a cover test, is a very standard practice as it tells your optometrist about the strength of your eyes. It can also diagnose if you have a lazy eye, and measures how you eyes work together. Also, be prepared to be tested for a variety of ocular problems such as cataracts, conjunctivitis, and other common eye disease using a microscope where you rest your chin while the doctor uses the high powered instrument to look inside the eye. You may also get a test for glaucoma which is the air puff test. The air is directed into the eye to test the amount of pressure in the inner eye, the doctor can measure the pressure and determine if there is a concern. More commonly, you may have your eyes dilated as well. Dilating the eye allows more light to enter the eye and allows for the best access to observe the eye structures. The affect of the dilating solution is temporary, but may cause slight discomfort, and require you to wear sunglasses for the rest of the day.

If you are a contact lens or glasses wearer your doctor will check the prescription to see if any changes have occurred. Some offices use a retinoscope or an automated machine to check the prescription of their patients. Your eye doctor can determine the estimated lenses by the reflection of light on your retina. Once the most accurate measurement is made, the optometrist can use the phoropter, an instrument that has various lenses in it, to find the best prescription to suit your eyes.

Having a yearly exam with an eye care professional is not only valuable to successful sight, but it is crucial to the health of your eyes. Some problems are only detectable under the light of your eye doctors microscope and early detection is critical for treating ocular disease. Making an appointment with your eye doctor for a comprehensive exam will improve your overall well being.