A comprehensive eye exam is a series of tests used to assess the health of your eyes. The exam is designed to determine your visual acuity, or how clearly you see, as well as the overall health of your eyes. An eye exam in Jacksonville also provides information about possible vision problems, such as astigmatism or myopia.
How is a comprehensive eye exam performed?
An optometrist or an ophthalmologist can perform a comprehensive eye exam. An optometrist will examine the front part of your eye, including the pupils, cornea, and lens. They will also perform tests that allow them to measure your visual acuity and detect abnormalities in your peripheral vision. An ophthalmologist includes not only these parts of the eye but also the inside structures that are hard to see without specialized equipment. Eye exams should be performed yearly by people who do not wear glasses or contacts.
What does the exam entail?
There are several components to the exam, which are described below.
Measurement of pupil size in response to light: Your doctor will use a light or lens to determine how quickly your pupils dilate in response to changes in brightness, which is a good indicator of health. They will be looking for an even reaction from both eyes.
Eye pressure test: This test can detect glaucoma by measuring the pressure inside your eye. The doctor uses a special instrument called an ophthalmoscope to shine a light into your eye and look at the optic nerve for signs of damage.
Refraction (eye prescription): Refraction determines your eyeglasses or contact lens prescription. Refractive errors can cause blurry vision, double vision, and headaches from focusing too hard. Your doctor may also use this opportunity to perform a refractive error screening test that identifies people who are likely to develop nearsightedness or farsightedness over time.
Pupil dilation: Dilated pupils allow a more thorough evaluation of retinal health and optic nerve function than an undilated exam can provide. You will receive special drops in both eyes before the examination begins that dilate the pupils, so they are larger than usual, allowing the doctor to get a better look at the inside.
Vision test: The doctor will use one or more tests to measure how well you see at various distances, including near, middle, and far distances. You may be asked to read letters on an eye chart or look at pictures or other images on a screen. You will also be asked to follow a moving object with your eyes.
Eye movement tests: Your doctor will watch you move your eyes up, down, and from side to side in order to assess your overall eye movement ability.
A comprehensive eye exam is the best way to ensure that you have healthy eyes and vision. The exam can detect vision problems affecting your day-to-day life and help you prevent or delay more serious vision problems later in life. In addition, a comprehensive eye exam can detect health issues unrelated to your eyes. These may include diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease. Early detection of these issues can lead to better treatment options and improved outcomes for patients. In this case, schedule an appointment with Wolchok Eye Associates, PA professionals.
