At Clear vision when performing a comprehensive eye exam we conduct a number of tests and procedures to examine and evaluate the health of your eyes and the quality of your vision.
These tests range from simple ones, like having you read an eye chart, to complex tests, such as using a high-powered lens to examine the health of the tissues inside of your eyes.
Here is just three of the tests you are most likely to encounter during a routine comprehensive eye exam:
Cover Test
While there are many ways of checking your eyes, the cover test is the simplest and most common.
During a cover test, you will be made to focus on a small object at distance and will then cover each of your eyes alternately while you stare at the target. You will be observed as to how much each eye has to move when uncovered to pick up the fixation target. The test is then repeated as you focus on a near object.
Cover tests can detect even very subtle misalignment that can interfere with your eyes working together properly or may cause a condition known as “lazy eye.”
Refraction
This is the test your doctor uses to determine your exact eyeglasses prescription. During refraction, the doctor puts the refractor in front of your eyes and shows you a series of lens choices. You will then be ask which one of the two lenses makes the letters on the wall chart look clearer.
Based on your answers, our optometrist will be determine the amount of nearsightedness, farsightedness or eye strain you have, and the eyeglass lenses required to correct these vision problems.
Glaucoma Testing
Glaucoma testing is performed to determine the pressure inside of your eyes. Elevated internal eye pressure can cause glaucoma, which is vision loss due to damage to the sensitive optic nerve in the back of the eye.
One common method used is the “air puff” test – where an automated instrument discharges a small burst of air to the surface of your eye. Based on your eye’s resistance to the puff of air, the machine calculates the pressure inside your eye. Though the test itself can be startling, nothing but air touches your eye during this measurement, and there’s no risk of eye injury from the air puff test.
Since glaucoma is often the result of an increase of pressure inside the eye, these are important tests for ensuring the long-term health of your eyes.
There are more tests performed during a standard comprehensive eye exam. Depending on your particular needs, additional tests may be performed or schedule to be performed at a later date.