Comprehensive Eye Exam

Preliminary Tests

An optometrist may first want to look at specific aspects of your visual function and eye health. Preliminary tests can include evaluations of depth perception, color vision, eye muscle movements, peripheral or side vision, and the way your pupils respond to light.

Keratometry

This test measures the curvature of the cornea (the clear outer surface of the eye) by focusing a circle of light on the cornea and measuring its reflection. This measurement is particularly critical in determining the proper fit for contact lenses.

Refraction

Refraction determines the lens power you need to compensate for any refractive error (nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism). Using an instrument called a phoropter, our optometrist places a series of lenses in front of your eyes. He or she then measures how these lenses focus light using a handheld lighted instrument called a retinoscope. Our doctor may choose to use an instrument that automatically evaluates the focusing power of the eye. The lens power is then refined based YOUR input on the lenses that give you the clearest vision.

This testing can be done without eye drops to determine how the eyes respond under normal seeing conditions. However, an optometrist will use eye drops with patients who can’t respond verbally or when some of the eyes’ focusing power may be hidden. The drops temporarily keep the eyes from changing focus during testing.

Eye Focusing, Eye Teaming, and Eye Movement Testing

To see a clear, single image, the eyes must effectively change focus, move and work in unison. An assessment of accommodation, ocular motility and binocular vision determines how well your eyes focus, move and work together. This testing will look for problems that keep your eyes from focusing effectively or make using both eyes together difficult.

Eye Health Evaluation

Our optometrist may need to perform additional tests based on the results of the previous tests. These tests can help confirm or rule out possible problems, clarify uncertain findings or provide a more in-depth assessment.

At the completion of the examination, our optometrist will evaluate all the test results to determine a diagnosis. He or she will discuss with you any visual or eye health problems and explain treatment options. In some cases, our optometrist may refer you to another optometrist or other health care provider for consultation or treatment.

Supplemental testing

Additional testing may be needed based on the results of the previous tests to confirm or rule out possible problems, to clarify uncertain findings, or to provide a more in-depth assessment.

At the completion of the examination, Our optometrist will assess and evaluate the results of the testing to determine a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan. He or she will discuss with you the nature of any visual or eye health problems found and explain available treatment options. In some cases, referral for consultation with, or treatment by, another optometrist or other health care provider may be indicated.

If you have questions about any diagnosed eye or vision conditions, or treatment recommendations, don’t hesitate to ask the doctor for additional information or explanation.