The Eye Exam Process

If you are heading towards an appointment with your eye doctor, you may be wondering what will go on during that appointment.  You may be wondering what is involved in the eye exam process.  Through this article, we will provide you with some helpful information to help you understand the eye exam process.

Tests that are Performed

The eye examination, or series of tests performed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist, is usually used to tell whether a patient needs corrected vision. This exam is done by use of eye charts, sample lenses, a thorough examination of the inside of the eye, and instruments that detect other defects and eye abnormalities.

Examining the External Area of the Eye

An eye care professional will examine the external area of the eye to check for visible abnormalities in the lids, conjunctiva, sclera (whites of the eyes), and iris. Then comes a visual acuity test, where the patient reads from a chart to determine the ratio of his vision to a standard. Normally 20 feet is the standard in America, where 20/20 is perfect vision. This means that the patient sees at 20 feet what a person with perfect vision would see at 20 feet. Therefore, a person with poor vision might see at 20 feet what the normal person sees at 150 feet, making that person’s vision ratio 20/150. In Europe the standard is 6 feet, so perfect vision would be considered 6/6.

Light and Pupil Function

Light is also used to check pupil function. The pupils are a window to many other problems; if they don’t react properly to light, something could be very wrong with the patient and further medical testing would be necessary. The practitioner should also do the “follow my finger” test to check for proper muscular functions.

Testing Your Field of Vision

The examiner should also test for field of vision. This is done one of three ways. One way is for the eye doctor to take his finger out of the patient’s field of vision, then bring it back in, with the patient indicating when she sees or loses sight of the finger. In another, an object is used while the patient focuses on a screen 3 feet ahead. In the third kind of visual field examination, a patient views an electronically generated target and presses a button whenever a light comes into view-a computer makes a map of the patient’s field of vision.

Testing Your Eye Pressure

Eye pressure is another important test in the eye exam. A few decades ago, this test was performed by desensitizing the eye, then placing a plastic dome on the cornea. This dome was attached to a small scale that would give the practitioner the pressure reading. These days it’s done by a simple puff of air.

Checking for Cataracts

The physician should also perform an inspection with an ophthalmoscope to check for cataracts. The doctor can also determine if there is a defect in the retina or other eye tissues, and check the blood supplies as well.

Suggested Contact Lens Shopping Sites