WHAT CAN I EXPECT AT AN EYE TEST?

Wondering what happens at a routine eye test? This step-by-step guide will help you understand what to expect at an eye test from your optometrist.

WHAT IS AN EYE TEST?

An eye test or an eye examination is a health check-up for your eyes where a qualified eye health professional will examine your eyes to determine their condition. 

Having your eyes checked regularly will help your eye care practitioner detect any eye problems at their earliest stage so that treatment can be given as soon as possible to avoid any further damage. 

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I GET MY EYES TESTED?

While it is recommended that we should get an eye test every two years, this rule may not apply to everyone. For instance, if you have an eye condition, such as glaucoma, or a general health condition like diabetes, you may have to see your eye health provider at more regular intervals.

DO I NEED TO TAKE ANYTHING TO MY EYE TEST?

When booking an appointment to go see your eye health practitioner, ask them what they need you to bring with you. You may  need to take your health care or health insurance card. You should take your current prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses with you. 

You may also want to take a pair of sunglasses to wear after the check-up, in case your pupils are dilated as part of the eye examination, as this will make you more sensitive to bright lights. Your vision will also be blurry after this procedure, so you shouldn't drive immediately after your eye test, and preferably arrange for another form of transport. 

1. YOU ARE ASKED ABOUT YOUR HISTORY

When you go for an eye exam, the eye care practitioner will ask you questions to determine the reason for your visit. These include, but are not limited to: 

• Are there any problems that you are having with your eyes and vision?
• How long have you had these problems?
• When was your last eye examination?

They will also be interested in whether or not you wear glasses or contact lenses, how long you’ve been wearing your current pair, and if you are having any problems with them. 

You’ll also be asked about your medical history, including details about your eye health (existing conditions, treatment, previous surgery) and general health. Your optometrist will also ask you about any pre-existing conditions, such as high blood pressure. 

You’ll be asked about your family’s eye health and medical history, so your doctor can determine whether you are at a higher risk of developing conditions like glaucoma or diabetes. You may also be asked to provide contact details for your general practitioner or family doctor.

You will also be asked to provide a list of any current medications you’re taking, so be sure to jot down the names to show your eye care practitioner.

Here are a few questions to expect:

• When was your last eye examination?
• How well can you see far away and up close?
• Do you have headaches, sore eyes or double vision?
• Do you have any problems with your eyes? 
• Are you using any eye drops, and why are you using them? 
• Do you or your family members have any problems with your health, like diabetes or high blood pressure? 
• What medications are you taking?
• Is there anyone in the family with eye conditions such as glaucoma or macular degeneration or lazy eyes? 

2. YOUR OCULAR FUNCTION IS CHECKED

The following are all tests of visual function that will be done at an eye examination. Some of these tests, such as peripheral visual fields and contrast, may only be done on indication. In medical terms, ‘an indication’ means that there is a symptom, which suggests certain medical tests or treatment may be needed.

• Eye alignment
• Binocular vision (how the 2 eyes work together)
• Accommodation (focusing system of the eyes)
• Eye movements
• Pupil reactions
• Colour vision
• 3D vision (stereo vision)
• Visual fields (central and peripheral vision)
• Contrast sensitivity (ability to discriminate of shades of light and dark)

3. YOU'LL GET AN ANTERIOR EYE EXAMINATION

The front of the eye will be examined using a slit-lamp which magnifies the eye. The structures of the front of the eye including the eyelids, iris, lens, conjunctiva, and cornea are examined. 

Conditions that can be detected include cataract, inflammation, infections such as conjunctivitis, trachoma, and foreign bodies on the eye.

4. YOU'LL GET A POSTERIOR EYE EXAMINATION

The structures at the back of the eye are examined through the pupils of the eyes. If the pupils are small, they may be dilated using eye drops. This will allow detection of eye conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, optic nerve anomalies, and glaucoma.

5. YOUR EYE PRESSURE WILL BE CHECKED

The pressure of your eyes will be measured if you are over the age of 40 or if there is a suspicion that the pressure of the eye may be raised. Conditions such as glaucoma are associated with high pressure in the eye(s).

6. IMAGES MAY BE TAKEN OF YOUR EYE

Imaging and other scanning of the eye may be done. This includes procedures like photography, scanning of the retina and optic nerve, corneal topography.

7. THE REFRACTION OF YOUR EYE WILL BE CHECKED

The focusing power of your eyes at a distance (and near for those aged over 40) will be measured. This is called a refraction, and determines the prescription of any glasses or contact lenses that may be needed for clear vision. 

8. WHAT DO YOUR EYE TEST RESULTS MEAN?

At the end of your eye test, the findings will be explained to you, the reason for your visit will be addressed, and a management plan will be discussed with you. If you need glasses or contact lenses, they will be prescribed. 

If indicated, or if there are any suspicious findings, you will be asked to return for further testing. You may also be referred to an ophthalmologist for further assessment and treatment. 

Your family doctor will be notified if you have any health conditions that need to be followed up. 

You will be advised on when you should have your eyes checked again. It is important to have your eye examined regularly to ensure that any problems are detected early and addressed to prevent long term vision loss. The signs and symptoms of many eye conditions, especially in the early stages, are not always apparent to you, but are detectable during an eye test by a trained eye health provider. 

9. MORE ABOUT OPTOMETRY AND OPTHALMOLOGY

Optometry is a healthcare profession that is autonomous and regulated, which means you have to be trained, licensed and registered.

Optometrists are the primary healthcare practitioners of the eye and visual system, who provide comprehensive eye and vision care. This includes refraction, prescription and dispensing of glasses and contact lenses, as well as detection and diagnosis, and the management of diseases in the eye, plus the rehabilitation of conditions of the visual system, as stated by the World Council of Optometry.

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who has undertaken additional specialist training in the diagnosis and management of disorders of the eye and visual system.

DISCLAIMER: 

The content on this page is not intended to be medical advice. For specific medical advice, please contact your health professional.