Why do I need an eye exam?
Many people don’t believe they need an eye examination if they can see well, but a comprehensive eye exam does more than check for vision problems — it assesses for eye conditions that may not have noticeable symptoms, such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, or cataracts. Since these eye conditions can cause vision loss long before symptoms appear, it’s essential to have your eyes checked at least once a year.
Eye Examinations for Adults
Regular comprehensive eye exams are the best way to maintain healthy vision. Your Eye Physicians Associates ophthalmologist or optometrist can perform these exams. A dilated eye exam that includes dilation of the pupils with eyedrops provides the most thorough evaluation. Your eye doctor will check for the following:
Refractive Errors that occur when the shape of the eye prevents light from focusing directly on the retina:
- Nearsightedness (Myopia), in which close objects are seen clearly, but distant objects appear blurry.
- Farsightedness (Hyperopia), in which distant objects may seem clear, but close objects are blurry.
- Astigmatism – both near and distant objects can appear blurry or distorted.
Presbyopia is a focusing problem that occurs as a normal part of aging (usually around age 40). The eyes gradually lose their ability to see things clearly up close.
Strabismus is a visual problem in which the eyes point in different directions. This can occur in adults but is more common in children.
Eye Diseases such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.
What types of tests are performed in a comprehensive eye examination?
The tests included in a comprehensive eye examination can vary according to a patient’s age, health, and family history.
The most thorough eye exams include dilation of the pupil. Additional eye tests include:
- Visual Acuity to assess clarity of vision. This most common test is done with a large paper chart or computerized projection of letters on a screen with a large “E” at the top.
- Slit Lamp examination – your doctor uses an instrument to look inside the eye for signs of common eye diseases and conditions.
- Visual Fields to look for blind spots or problems with side (peripheral) vision.
- Cover Test to detect strabismus or binocular vision.
- Autofractor or Retinoscopy can estimate your eyeglass prescription.
- Refraction is an exam technique using an instrument called a phoropter. It allows your eye doctor to refine your eyeglass or contact lens prescription.
- Glaucoma Test, also known as tonometry, measures the pressure within the eye.
- Assessment of the optic nerve, retina, and blood vessels using dilation of the pupils and an ophthalmoscope.
Importance of Pupil Dilation
Some patients try to avoid pupil dilation because they can’t drive or read until the dilation wears off. This can take several hours. An eye exam without dilation does not allow the eye doctor to see problems that may be developing in the back of the eye. Patients should plan to take some time off from work or school on the day of the exam, and arrange to get a ride home from their appointment.