The most effective way to protect your eye health is to have regular comprehensive eye exams. By keeping up with routine vision checkups, you will allow your eye doctor to detect changes and underlying abnormalities in your eyes.
Comprehensive Eye Exam
During an eye exam, your optometrist may conduct a detailed history review. Be prepared to discuss underlying issues you have been diagnosed within the past and any health conditions that run in your family. Heredity is a major risk factor for certain eye disorders and diseases. You may also be asked about medications you are currently taking and any recent surgeries. This is all necessary information to prepare the right eye tests to assess your individual needs.
Performing Various Eye Tests
Next, a variety of tests are performed to evaluate the various structures of the eye and their proper functions. Typical tests conducted include:
Visual Acuity Test: To measure visual sharpness, you might be asked to stand in a designated area and read a series of letters on a chart.
Refraction Test: If a refractive error is suspected, you may be positioned in front of a phoropter and asked to indicate which side is clearer as the lenses are changed. Varying prescription lenses are held within the device. This is how the eye doctor will determine your correct prescription for contact lenses or eyeglasses.
Cover Test: Alternately, one eye will be covered while you focus on a specific object with the other. This allows the eye doctor to evaluate how well coordinated both eyes are and how your eyes move.
Test Results and Suggestions
If necessary, more tests will be conducted. Once all are completed, your eye doctor will explain the results of every test with you. For instance, if you are diagnosed with a refractive error, you will be prescribed glasses or contact lenses. Wearing corrective eyewear will help improve your vision close up or help you have a clearer view of distant objects.
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