What Is A Routine Eye Exam?

Optician looking for proper spectacles for his male patient

Having a routine eye examination is important for all people to maintain healthy vision. Children need early eye exams to ensure that they can see well enough to excel in school, and adults need them to make sure they can see properly to drive and to correct problems that arise as they age. However, many people get nervous when they have to go to the doctor. Get the information on what your eye doctor screens you for so that you can have a comfortable, educated experience during your next eye exam.

What is an eye exam?

An eye exam is a text that a ophthalmologist or optometrist gives to check a person's eyes. These examinations include a number of different tests, each specialized and for a specific purpose. These tests can take a half hour or more to administer. Some of the tests gauge vision or visual responses, and others check for eye health or problems.

Both types of eye doctors are licensed to give eye examinations. However, an optometrist may refer you to an ophthalmologist because ophthalmologists often have certain areas of specialization.

Visual acuity tests

One part of the eye examination usually involves a visual acuity test. This visual acuity test usually consists of the patient looking at a standard eye chart and reciting the letters off the chart to the examiner. The test is used to measure how well a person sees far away and up close.

Cover test

Another test that an optometrist or ophthalmologist may give as part of an examination is a cover test. The cover test is used to see how well both of your eyes work together. During the test, the eye doctor has the patient look at a target object, covers each eye and then looks for signs of strain. This test can help identify if the patient has a 'lazy eye' or any other eye alignment issues.

Refraction

During a refraction test, the eye doctor puts a large eye piece in front of the patient's face that has many lenses. This instrument is called a phoropter. Using the phoropter, the doctor switches from lens to lens and asks the patient if the lens is clearer or blurrier than the lens before it. This helps the eye doctor to pinpoint exactly what prescription to give someone who needs glasses or contacts, or helps to identify what the sight of the person is. Normal or optimal eyesight is 20/20 vision.

Getting an annual eye examination is an important part of maintaining optimal vision and eye function. Also, it is nothing to get really worried about, because now you have a better understanding of what goes on during an eye exam.

Having a routine eye examination is important for all people to maintain healthy vision