What to Expect During a Routine Eye Exam
Routine eye care is an important part of maintaining healthy eyes. However, many people are confused about what it involves. Because confusion can lead to fear, it is important that you have a full understanding of what to expect when you get routine eye care from a local eye doctor. That way, you can proceed with confidence.
Testing Your Visual Acuity
Your exam will likely start with a visual acuity test that measures how well you can see. As part of this, your distance and near vision is checked. Many patients get nervous during this test, thinking that they might mess up their prescriptions by giving a wrong answer.
However, it is important to understand that this is just one way that your Shelton, Connecticut eye doctor will examine your eyes. There is no reason to stress out if you are not sure whether you see a “C” or a “D” on the eye chart. Just provide your best answer and move on to the next test.
Determining Refraction Errors
If you do not have 20/20 vision, your eye doctor needs to determine if you are nearsighted or farsighted. You also might have another issue, such as an astigmatism. Some eye doctors use a retinoscopy to determine this, which is a tool that shines light into your eyes. The way in which your eye reacts to the light gives the doctor insight into your refractive error. This test is not as common as it used to be. Instead, most doctors use different tests.
For instance, eye doctors now like to use autorefractors or aberrometers. An autorefractor lets the doctor analyze light, while the aberrometer measures aberrations in the lens and cornea.
In addition, your eye doctor will use a phoropter, which is a machine that will sit in front of your face as you look through the lenses.
With this, the doctor can analyze your focusing abilities and alignment. During this process, your doctor will flip between lens strengths, with you providing feedback as to which one is clearer. This makes it easy for the eye doctor to determine the prescription that you need.
Checking Your Eyes’ Health
Your eye doctor does not just check your vision, but your overall eye health. This process usually begins with a tonometry. This tool measures the pressure in your eyes. Commonly referred to as a glaucoma test, it is quick and easy.
Your eye doctor might also dilate your pupils to get a better look inside. When the pupils are enlarged, the doctor can get a closer look at the back of the eye. Because you cannot drive with dilated eyes, determine ahead of time if this will be part of your examination. That way, you can bring someone with you to get you home safely. You will also need to wear sunglasses if you plan to be outside within a few hours of having your eyes dilated.
Depending on your needs, your routine eye care exam can take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour. When your exam is over, you will know if you need corrective lenses, and if you have any eye issues. If a problem has been detected, your doctor will go over a treatment plan, and ask you to come back to the office after a period of time.
You are in good hands at Pinke Eye Center. Contact us today to schedule your routine eye examination!
