Eye checkups and eye exams are essential for maintaining your general health. Optometrists examine your health in the same way that family doctors do. Your optometrist will also evaluate the anatomy and performance of your eyes.
During an eye exam, your optometrist can diagnose a wide range of illnesses, including those affecting the entire body. Today, we will discuss everything about eye exams so that you know what to expect each time. Read on to learn more.
Understanding the 20/20 Vision
The benchmark for visual acuity is 20/20 eyesight. Although 20/20 vision is regarded as remarkable, there are other characteristics of vision than distance. A patient is said to have 20/20 vision if they can see items clearly from 20 feet away.
In addition to a simple vision test, evaluations of an individual’s eye health and vision include eye coordination, colour vision, eye health, refraction, and more. An eye exam assesses vision abilities. It typically lasts thirty minutes, with each test taking only a few minutes to complete.
Eye Tests in Different Age Groups
In many ways, optometrist appointments are similar to doctor’s appointments. Optometrists are educated to identify and treat a wide range of eye disorders, such as dry eyes and infections.
Patients with vision or eye difficulties may benefit from further visits to the optometrist. Guidelines for eye exams for different age groups are:
- The first eye exam should be done for those aged 0 to 24 months.
- At least one eye exam for ages 2 to 5 years, and those 65 and older.
- An annual eye exam for ages 6 to 19.
- An eye exam every two years for ages 20 to 65.
Preparing for the Eye Exam
The majority of eye exams begin with tests rather than an in-person talk with the eye doctor. Your optometrist will utilize a variety of diagnostic instruments throughout your eye anatomy and vision skills assessment.
Diagnostics can inform an optometrist about what can be harmful to a patient’s eyes, but the doctor should also learn about the patient’s own experiences. Normal eye exams include the following tests:
1. The Cover Test
The cover test is a process used by optometrists to assess patients’ eye coordination. The patient covers one of their eyes while focusing. This test is capable of detecting both strabismus and amblyopia (lazy eye).
2. The Glaucoma Test
Glaucoma is a disease that causes vision loss or blindness, however, the symptoms are mild. Glaucoma testing is necessary to monitor any changes in the anatomy of the eye and to protect one’s vision.
When determining whether or not someone has glaucoma, three different types of devices are used.
The “air-puff” test is a non-invasive way of evaluating intraocular pressure (IOP). It is done by blowing air into the eye. To measure IOP, a contact or applanation tonometer will tap the eye. Prior to the inspection, eye medications that numb the cornea are often employed. Meanwhile, tonometers from I-Care measure intraocular pressure. This inspection does not require any numbing medication or an “air puff.”
3. The Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
Both the retina and the optic nerve, which are located in the rear of the eye, are captured in OCT scans. This examination allows the doctor to evaluate the retina and detect eye diseases at an earlier stage.
4. The Refraction
Your prescription is determined by refraction. Optometrists utilize phoropters to demonstrate various lens alternatives that can be available to their patients
5. The Slit Lamp Test
An optometrist examines the corneal surface of your eye with the aid of a slit light. The chin and forehead are both supported by the instrument. The ophthalmologist examines the eyelids, the cornea, the conjunctiva, and the lens.
6. The Visual Field Test
Each eye is assessed individually for its quality of peripheral vision. This exam can detect glaucoma and other eye diseases that impair vision.
Conclusion
Eye health is something we should never overlook. Especially in this day and age of screens and the digital world, protecting our eyes is a must. With regular eye exams, you can trust your optometrist to give you the best treatments for your eye health.
Are you in need of an eye exam in Surrey? Abasa Optical is here to offer your quality eye care by experts. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
