What Does A Good Eye Exam Look Like?
It is suggested that adults over the age of 20 see an optometrist every 16 to 24 months for a routine eye exam. During these consultations an optometrist will perform a thorough eye examination to determine whether there has been any changes in your vision and to ensure your eyes are healthy. These routine eye exams are important an important step when it comes to early detection of potential issues with your vision or your eyes.
Below we will review how a good eye exam is performed and what to expect during your routine checkup!
Pre-examination tests
An optometrist will perform standard tests to establish how healthy your eyes are. These may include a colour sensitivity test, peripheral vision test, and cover test. In some cases, an optometrist will use an autorefractor to measure your vision prescription correctly and get insights into your vision needs.
Pupillary reactions
A good eye exam includes a pupillary reaction test. For this, a light is used to check your pupils’ responsiveness. The light response is a natural function, and it is vital for your overall vision. Also, the pupillary reactions test is a good opportunity to check for signs of dry eye or bacterial debris.
Visual acuity test
Another important step in a good eye examination is the visual acuity test. It is a popular part of an eye exam. You will have to read an eye chart filled with different letters and numbers. The goal is to assess your ability to read correctly and identify the symbols. If you are having a hard time understanding the letters and numbers, you might be in need of a prescription.
Slit-lamp test
A slit light test is when an optometrist shines a vertical bar of light into your eye to enlarge your eye’s surface. This test is useful for inspecting cornea and iris potential abnormalities. During this test, you might be asked to stare or blink.
Pupil dilation
The last step of an eye exam is the pupil dilation test. By dilating your eyes, your optometrist establishes whether your retina and optic nerve are healthy. For this test, the professional will put a few drops in your eyes to enlarge your pupil. The goal is to allow more light in to offer a better view of your eye. Keep in mind that after this test, you will be sensitive to light, so it is recommended to avoid sitting in direct sunlight for a couple of days.
The above is an outline of some of the factors to expect when a good eye exam is performed. We recommend you schedule regular eye exams even if you are not experiencing any discomfort or issues with your vision. Identifying potential issues with your vision during the early stages can significantly improve your chances of correcting the issue.
