Scheduling regular eye exams is one of the most important things you can do to keep your eyes healthy. A comprehensive eye exam allows for detection of the subtle signs of eye problems, providing an opportunity for prompt treatment that can literally save your vision.
For example, glaucoma is asymptomatic in the early stages, but without early treatment, it can cause irreversible vision loss. By having regular eye exams, glaucoma can be detected and managed before it progresses, preserving your vision. Regular eye exams can also detect other health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes and even cancer.
Even if you think you have perfect vision, we still highly recommend scheduling regular eye exams. At Downtown Eyes, we are a privately owned optometric practice utilizing the latest technology in the field of optometry. Our expertise allows us to provide care for patients of all ages, from infants to adults.
Read on to learn about your eyes in general and what to expect when you visit us for a comprehensive eye exam.
Parts of Your Eyes
The eye is a hollow organ with an opening at the front that lets in light. Inside the eye is a gelatinous substance called the vitreous, which fills most of the inside. The opening at the front of the eye through which light enters the eye is called the pupil. The iris is a colored ring of muscle tissue that surrounds the pupil and it controls the amount of light that enters the eye by narrowing or dilating.
The sclera is the white of the eye; it is a hard shield of tissue that encircles and protects the pupil. The conjunctiva is a thin layer of tissue that connects the eye to the eyelid and protects the sclera. The cornea is a clear, hard tissue that covers the iris and the pupil. It is the eye’s main focusing element. The curve of the cornea refracts light rays and focuses them on the retina at the back of the eye. The aqueous humor, a pool of fluid, fills a cavity between the cornea and the iris.
The lens behind the iris is an elastic disc that fine-tunes focus. The retina is a complex, photosensitive membrane that lines the back of the eyeball. It has many layers and it is one of the most important parts of the eye. When light is focused onto the retina, the photosensitive cells translate the light into electrical impulses that are then interpreted by your brain as vision.
Filling Out Medical History and Visual Acuity Test
Your eye exam will likely begin with a little paperwork. You will provide information about your general health, any medication you take and your family’s medical history. Your eye specialist will use this knowledge to help determine the condition of your eyes. You will probably undergo a visual acuity test next, which will measure the sharpness of your vision. These tests are typically performed using a projected eye chart for distance visual acuity and a small acuity chart to measure your near vision.
Color Blindness Test and Cover Test
The eye doctor may also perform a color blindness test to rule out color blindness. This test can also alert your eye doctor to possible eye health problems related to your color vision. The cover test is a simple test that checks for strabismus or amblyopia. During this test, the eye doctor will ask you to focus on a small object across the room and then cover each of your eyes alternately. They will then ask you to focus on a nearby object.
Ocular Motility Testing and Stereopsis Test
Ocular motility testing helps determine how well your eyes can follow a moving object. It also assesses how quickly your eyes move between and accurately fixate on two sperate targets. Problems with eye movements can affect your reading ability and cause eye strain.
The stereopsis test evaluates your depth perception. A common stereopsis test requires you to wear a pair of 3D glasses and look at a booklet of test patterns.
Retinoscopy
A retinoscopy test allows your eye doctor to obtain an approximation of your prescription. It is also useful for children and patients who are not able to accurately answer the eye doctor’s questions. During a retinoscopy, the lights will be dimmed and you will be asked to focus on a large target. While you are staring at the target, your eye doctor will shine a light at your eye and flip lenses in a machine in front of your eyes.
Traditional Refraction
The refraction test is used to determine your exact eyeglasses prescription. During the test, the eye doctor will put a phoropter in front of your eyes and then show you a series of lens choices. You’ll be asked which of the two lenses in each choice looks clearer. The eye doctor will use your answers to fine-tune the lens power until they determine your eyeglass prescription.
Marco® Automated Phoropter
At Downtown Eyes, we use state-of-the-art technology in all our eye care services. One innovative technology we’ve adapted is the Marco® Automated Phoropter, which allows us to conduct more precise and accurate refraction testing. These automated devices are equal to or more accurate than standard manual phoropters. The eye doctor can also compare the new refraction directly to the previous one with the touch of a button.
Optomap® Retinal Exam
The Optomap® ultra-wide-field retinal image is a unique technology that offers many advantages compared to traditional imaging methods. This retinal exam takes a panoramic image of 80% of your retina. It is very comfortable and takes less than a second. Nothing will touch your eyes and you don’t need to worry about eye drops. The captured images of your eyes will be available immediately for you and your eye doctor to review.
Icare® Tonometer
This device allows us to accurately measure the pressure of your eye during your comprehensive eye exam. Taking the measurement is quick and comfortable. It doesn’t require any eye drops and is usually barely noticed by the patient. This device will allow us to measure and monitor patients with glaucoma so that vision loss from this disease can be prevented.
Other Eye Tests
These are some of the more common tests performed during a comprehensive eye exam. However, your eye doctor may recommend other and more specialized eye tests based on your medical history and the current condition of your eyes. Rest assured that when you schedule an eye exam with us, you will receive the best possible care and an eye exam that’s tailored to your needs.
A regular eye exam can protect you from all kinds of visual problems. It can also make you aware of serious underlying health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure. Downtown Eyes conducts our eye exams using the latest technology. We adopt a personalized approach for every patient. If you need new contacts or eyeglasses, then we also offer a wide range of high-quality frames and contact lenses.
