Your eyes are an integral part of your body. They provide you with the sight that helps you appreciate your surroundings. Hence, you need to take good care of them. One way you can do this is by going for regular eye exams. 

So, what consists of a typical eye exam?

Preparation

Before attending an eye exam, shop around for a good eye doctor. That means you will need an ophthalmologist or an optometrist. Opticians do not have the qualifications or authority to conduct eye health evaluations.

After choosing a doctor, you will need to make an appointment. Afterward, list any questions or topics you want to discuss with the doctor. Also, be ready to update them on your family history and any medications you may be taking.

During the Exam

The doctor will start by asking questions about your vision. They will want to know your medical history and how your eyesight is so far. After the question-and-answer session, they will start the eye tests. 

The typical eye exam tests include:

The Eye Muscle Movement Test

During this, the doctor watches your eye movement, checking their alignment. They will put a target in front of your eyes and ask you to follow it. The target is usually a pen or a fingertip. As they move the target, they will watch your eyes as they follow the target in different directions.

The Cover Test

The test involves staring at a target that is some distance away. The doctor will cover one eye, uncover it, then cover the other. They will observe how well your eyes work together and determine if you have conditions like strabismus. The condition causes one eye to turn away from the target.

Pupil Reactions and External Exam

The doctor looks at the exterior part of your eyes. That would be the whites and the eyelid position. They will also check how your pupils respond to light.

Visual Acuity Test

The doctor will ask you to sit in front of an eye chart. They will ask you to read each line of letters as they cover each eye consecutively. It helps them determine your visual acuity.

Refraction Test

A refraction test involves using a computerized refractor to get your lens prescription. However, the doctor may fine-tune it by flipping between lenses to check which one is clear to you.

Slit Lamp

Slit lamp test evaluates the condition of your cornea, lens, iris, and the back of the eye. The device magnifies these areas. It allows the doctor to look for signs of eye or general health conditions.

Retinal Examination

The doctor will use an ophthalmoscope to check your vitreous humor, the retina, and its blood vessels. The device also allows him/her to analyze your optic nerve.

Glaucoma Testing

The test is painless and uses a tonometer to check the fluid pressure in your eyes. The device lets out a small air puff into each eye. The eye resistance indicates its pressure.

Pachymetry

The test uses ultrasound to check the corneal thickness. It should not be too thick or thin. Otherwise, it will lead to false readings.

Perimetry

The test maps the edges of your visual field. Once it does this, it is easy to determine if you have certain eye conditions. The above are the typical tests you will experience during an eye exam. They will help you manage your eye health and diagnose any eye conditions that need treatment.

For more about typical eye exams, visit Look! Optometry at our Manhattan Beach, California office. Call (310) 796-5665 to schedule an appointment today.