Comprehensive Eye Exams

 
 

Why is an Eye Exam so Important?

Many of us believe that if we can see well, we don’t need to visit an eye doctor. While good vision is clearly important, an eye exam does more than test your vision. Your eyes can be portals that offer a glimpse of your overall health. Many diseases show early signs in the eyes, including cardiovascular health and diabetes.

A comprehensive eye exam, offered only by an ophthalmologist or optometrist, looks at both eye health as well as your vision. Your doctor will check for:

While tests will vary based on your doctor and your medical history, most comprehensive eye exams include the following:

Visual Acuity

Evaluates the sharpness of your vision, usually using the “Big E” or Snellen chart

Visual Fields Test

Determines blind spots or peripheral vision issues

Cover Test

Identifies strabismus or binocular vision problems

Retinoscopy, Autorefractor or Aberrometer

Approximates your eyeglass prescription

Refraction

Fine-tunes the final eyeglass prescription

Slit Lamp Exam

Detects common eye diseases and conditions

Glaucoma Test

Measures the pressure within your eye

Dilation of the Pupil and Ophthalmoscopy

Examines the optic nerve, retina and blood vessels