A comprehensive eye exam by an optometry doctor is essential. It is a vital part of caring for your eyes and monitoring your overall health. Many vision and eye issues have no obvious symptoms, so you may be unaware of the problem. 

It is why the early detection and treatment of these eye issues are important. Regular comprehensive eye exams help catch vision issues early, preventing vision loss. However, you may be wondering what you can expect during one of these exams. 

Your Medical History

Your optometry doctor will ask about your eye health history and current situation. These will include:

• When your vision or eye issue symptoms began

• The medications you are using for the issue

• Work-related or environmental conditions that may be impacting your eye health

• Any eye health issues you or your family have gone through

Visual Acuity Test

These are a series of measurements to determine how each of your eyes sees. Typically, your eye doctor will use reading charts for this test. You will have to read several letters on these charts at near and far distances. The results are usually expressed as a fraction, with 20/20 being the normal visual acuity.

Initial Tests

During the preliminary tests, your eye doctor examines specific aspects of your eye health and visual function. They provide information about your color vision, depth perception, and eye muscle movements. Additionally, your doctor can evaluate your pupil’s response to light and your side or peripheral vision.

Keratometry

These are tests measuring your cornea’s curvature. During this test, your optometrist shines a circle of light on the outer surface of your eye and measures its reflection. In doing so, your doctor can accurately determine what contact lenses will make a proper fit for you.

Refraction Tests

This test determines the lens power your eyes require to correct any refractive error. These errors include myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism. Your eye doctor typically uses devices like phoropters and retinoscopes for this test. They may also use eye drops to temporarily prevent your eyes from changing focus during the test.

Evaluation of Your Eye Health

Your doctor will use various devices to evaluate your eye health, including all the structures and supporting tissues. They may use eye drops to briefly widen your pupils for a better view of your eye’s structure. They will measure the pressure inside your eye (intraocular pressure). It helps your eye doctor detect any eye issues and systematic diseases.

Additional Tests

Based on the outcomes of the previous eye tests, your optometrist may perform additional tests. It helps clarify uncertain findings and rule out or confirm possible eye issues. It also provides a more comprehensive assessment of your eye health.

Conclusion

After your doctor completes the eye exam, they will evaluate your results, determining what steps to take next. They will discuss the results with you and recommend a treatment plan.

For more on comprehensive eye exams, visit Zmyslinski Eye & Contact Lens Center at our office in Scottsdale or Tempe, Arizona. Call (480) 945-9971 or (480) 820-3813 to book an appointment today.