Why Should you Have an Eye Exam?
There are many different reasons you should have an eye exam but the most important reason is to determine if you have good eye health. If any of the following eye conditions/issues apply to you, then it is strongly recommended you to have regular eye exams.
– Refractive errors (Myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia and astigmatism)
– Age-Related Macular Degeneration
– Cataracts
– Diabetic Retinopathy
– Glaucoma
– Amblyopia
Many of these eye diseases are genetic, so a general check up is a must as there are higher chances you will be diagnosed with one at some point in your life.
If you are experiencing an unusual eye pain or issue, then it could be the following:
– Stye
– Dry eyes
– Retinal detachment
– Intraocular pressure (fluid pressure of the eye)
How to Prepare for an Eye Exam
If you are new to our practice, there are a few things to prepare before your eye exam.
Firstly, if you have previous and current glasses or a prescription handy, it is useful to bring it to your eye exam appointment so we can see what you have been tested for in the past.
If you have been referred by a specialist, then usually they will send that to us prior to your visit, however, in the case that they haven’t, it is useful to bring that as well.
When you arrive at the practice, we will have a form ready for you to fill out which will also include information such as: history, genetic eye issues, last eye test and general questions about your lifestyle.
Types of Eye Exam
A comprehensive eye exam at Adelaide City Optometrist will include the following steps:
1. Visual Acuity Test
A Visual Acuity Test or ‘Chart Test’ is conducted using a traditional Snellen Chart. First, we test your immediate vision which includes measuring the sharpness. To test your near vision, a handheld chart may be used, depending on the optometry practice you visit.
2. Colour Vision Test
A colour vision test is conducted if you have never had your eyes tested before. This rules out any colour defects and from there the next test can begin.
Once this has been completed, and you have passed, you will not have to do this test again. (You will if you change optometry practices).
3. Ocular Motility Test
An Ocular Motility Test can determine how well your eyes move together. You may be thinking, why does that matter? If your eyes do not converge together, you will find it difficult to read and to perform regular daily tasks. Performing this test will determine if you need prism in your lenses.
Another part of the exam includes a test for smooth eye movements (pursuits) and quick eye movements (saccades). This test is most commonly done in sports vision testing, but can also relate to reading ability.
4. Retinoscopy
A retinoscopy involves focusing on certain letters on a backlit chart. Usually the lights are off in the room for this test. This is when the eye doctor will shine a light into your eyes and/or change the lenses in front of your eyes to determine how your eyes focus and react to each lens. This is generally an estimate for your prescription.
This test can be useful in particular for children who are not able to read yet.
5. Refraction
A refraction determines the exact prescription that will be required in your glasses. The eye doctor will place a lens in front of your eye and then switch them depending on what appears clearer to you. From this, your prescription is created.
6. Slit Lamp Exam
The Slit Lamp exam involves examining the structures of your eyes. This includes the eyelids, cornea, conjunctiva, iris and lens.
Some common eye diseases can be discovered in this test such as macular degeneration, cataracts, ulcers, diabetic retinopathy and even dry eye.
From the above tests, it will determine whether you may need further testing or different tests for your vision which are included below. There are tests that involve looking at your retina and optic nerve which may be necessary.
Dilation
Dilating drops are used to take a more accurate look at the eye by enlarging the pupils.
It can take 15-20 minutes for dilating drops to work, and then the eye doctor will take a look at your eyes. You can become very sensitive to light and experience blurry vision, so we always encourage that you bring a pair of sunglasses to wear afterwards and have someone drive you home.
This is a very thorough way to examine the eyes and is usually used for people who are at a higher risk of eye disease due to age or genetics.
Neurovision Eye Exam
A neuro exam is usually recommended if someone has been through an accident where they have been concussed and are experiencing eye issues. The exam is split into two sessions each 1 hour long. It is quite a thorough examination and a variety of tests are involved.
Please read our blog post on Concussion and Vision: How are they related? For further insight.
Contact Lens Exam
In a comprehensive eye exam, the optometrist is not testing for contact lens wear or prescription. Therefore, you will need a separate test to determine that. If you have seen the same optometrist before, they can issue you a new contact lens prescription at the end of the exam.
Since contact lenses sit on the eye, different testing is involved in the exam and fitting process. After determining the contact lens prescription, trial contact lenses will be ordered for you and we will then book you in for a contact lens fitting teach (if you haven’t worn contact lenses before) or, you will be able to pick up the contact lenses to trial in your own time.
If you are happy with the vision and comfort of the contact lenses, we will then order you boxes of 1 month, 3 months or 6 months at your convenience. If you find that the contact lenses are not comfortable or the right prescription, we can book a time for a follow up or the optometrist may recommend different lenses to trial. There is no fee for trialing contact lenses, however there is a fee for a contact lens exam and for the boxes that will be ordered at the end.
CASA Aviation Exam
We are fortunate enough that our optometrist, Paul Fotkou, specialises in sports vision and Aviation/defence eye examinations. An aviation test requires a field test, and a variety of sports and regular eye testing. The accuracy of this test is highly important as it can result in the renewal or extermination of a flying licence.
Dry Eye Exam
In a dry eye exam, the optometrist will check how long your tear film lasts after you blink. This can be done by placing some dye in your eye and it will measure the volume of your tears. For further information, read our blog post on Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome.
As you can see, testing has come a long way in optometry and there are exams for all kinds of eye issues. Your eyes should be checked at least once a year or more depending on your eye conditions, so it is important to always book an appointment to see your optometrist.