Eye Care - Eye Examination
An eye examination is carried out by an optometrist and usually takes about 20 - 30 minutes (but may take longer if extra tests are required). As well as testing your sight, the optometrist will check the health of your eyes and look for signs of general health problems. The examination will normally include the following elements:
History and symptoms
At the start of the eye examination, your optometrist will ask why you are having your eyes examined, whether it is a routine check-up or if you have you come for a specific reason. If you are experiencing problems with your eyes or vision your practitioner will need to know what symptoms you have, how long you have had them and whether any changes have happened suddenly or slowly over a period of time.
Your optometrist will also need to know about your general health including any medication you are taking, whether you suffer from headaches, or have any close relatives with a history of eye problems. You will be asked about your previous spectacles or contact lenses. Additional information, which will help your practitioner to make an accurate assessment, includes your occupation, whether you play sports or have any hobbies.
Examining the eye
Your eyes will be examined both externally and internally. This will enable an
assessment to be made of the health of your eyes and may identify any other
underlying medical problems. The interior of your eye will be examined using an
ophthalmoscope, a special torch which shines a light through the pupil allowing
a detailed study of the internal structures. Your pupil reflexes will also be
tested.
Other tests which may be carried out, if necessary, include for example those
for glaucoma or colour vision deficiency. If you are over 40, the College of Optometrists recommends you should be checked to
make sure you are not developing glaucoma. If you have glaucoma you will
not normally notice until some sight has already been lost. Checking for
glaucoma involves a combination of two or three of the following three tests:
looking inside your eye; measuring the pressure inside your eye (which may be
done with a puff of air or after using drops to gently numb your eyes); and
checking your visual fields to make sure you don't have have any abnormal blind
spots. Many optometrists now offer extra tests, such as photography of
the interior and exterior of the eye, for which an additional charge may be
made. Extra tests are also needed for contact lens fitting and check-ups.
Vision
Remember to take your spectacles or contact lenses with you when you attend for
an eye examination. Your vision will be measured both with and without
spectacles or lenses to check for any problems with your eyesight. The
optometrist would normally assess your distance vision (for TV and driving),
your near vision (for reading and close work) and your intermediate vision (for
computer use).
Your optometrist will then carry out a series of tests to measure the type and
extent of any problem with your vision. You will then be asked to choose
between different lenses to see which ones help the quality and clarity of your
vision.
Eye movements and co-ordination
Eye movements and co-ordination are checked to make sure that both eyes are working
together, and that undue stress is not being placed on the eye muscles. Good
muscle balance is particularly important for those who use computers or read
for prolonged periods.
After the eye examination
Your practitioner will now have a detailed knowledge of the health of your
eyes, the standard of your vision and any special requirements that you may
have. This information will be explained to you but if you do not understand
anything or require more information, ask your optometrist who will be only too
pleased to help. You will also have the opportunity to discuss the best form of
vision correction to suit your individual lifestyle and visual needs.
At the end of the examination you will be advised on the appropriate interval
until your next examination and be handed a prescription for spectacles or
contact lenses, or a statement which confirms that your eyes don't need
correction. If you need medical treatment for an eye condition you may be
referred to your doctor or hospital.
When you have your prescription made up, you will be given help in choosing
spectacles or contact lenses. If you choose contact lenses you will be given
advice on the various types of lenses available, the procedures for fitting
lenses and further information about caring for and cleaning your lenses.
If you are not satisfied with your spectacles or contact lenses make sure that
you contact your practice so that the matter can be dealt with promptly. As
part of continuing care and service your optometrist will be happy to adjust or
make minor repairs to your spectacles where possible.
Most optometrists will send you a reminder when your next appointment is due. Remember that if you have a problem with your vision or your eyes before your next eye examination is due there is no need to wait – contact the practice and make an appointment for a check-up.