Getting your eyes checked regularly is essential for maintaining good eye health. A comprehensive eye exam can detect early signs of eye disease. It also prevents vision loss. Experts recommend that individuals get an eye exam every two years or more frequently if they have a preexisting eye condition or a family history of eye disease. 

Medical History and Symptoms

Your doctor will ask about your medical history. It will include any current or past medical conditions, medications, and allergies. The inquiries help detect conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes that increase your risk of developing eye diseases like hypertensive retinopathy or diabetic retinopathy.

Your eye doctor will ask about any related symptoms you may be experiencing, like discomfort, eye pain, blurry vision, or redness. The information helps the eye doctor assess your eye health and determine the best action to take during the exam. 

Visual Acuity Test 

The visual acuity test measures how well you can see at a distance. Your eye doctor will ask you to read letters or symbols from a chart while you stand at a distance. The test results help your eye specialist determine if you need prescription lenses. You may need a refraction test if your visual acuity is less than 20/20. The test will determine the exact prescription needed for glasses or contact lenses.

Refraction Test 

A refraction test entails your eye doctor using an instrument called a phoropter. It allows them to test different lenses to find the one that provides the clearest vision. You will look through the phoropter and tell your doctors which lenses give the clearest vision.

The eye doctor may perform subjective refraction. It entails relying on your feedback to determine your prescription. It can also entail objective refraction, where your eye specialist uses an instrument to measure your refraction error. The test results will help the eye doctor prescribe glasses or contact lenses that correct your vision.

Eye Muscle Test 

The eye muscle test assesses the alignment and movement of your eyes. The eye doctor will ask you to follow a moving object with your eyes while they observe how your eyes move and work together. The test can detect eye muscle weakness or misalignment, which can cause eyestrain, double vision, or other vision problems.

Your eye doctor may perform extra tests to confirm your diagnosis if they suspect eye muscle problems.

Slit Lamp Examination

The slit lamp is a microscope that allows the eye doctor to examine the front part of your eye. They will use a bright light and a unique lens to look for abnormalities like scratches, cataracts, or inflammation. 

The slit lamp examination can also help your eye doctor diagnose conditions like corneal ulcers or dry eye syndrome. Your eye doctor may recommend additional tests if they find abnormalities during the exam. They can also refer you to a specialist for further evaluation.

Dilated Eye Examination

During a dilated eye examination, your eye doctor will put eye drops into your eyes to widen your pupils. It allows them to examine your retina and optic nerve at the back of your eye. They will use a unique lens to look for signs of eye disease, like macular degeneration or glaucoma.

Tonometry Test 

The tonometry test measures the pressure inside your eye. The test is vital in detecting glaucoma. Your eye doctor will use a small instrument to touch your eye or a puff of air to measure the pressure.

For more information on comprehensive eye exams, visit San Marino Optometry at our office in San Marino, California. We proudly serve the San Marino, San Gabriel, and Arcadia communities. Please call (626) 415-3600 to schedule an appointment today.