A comprehensive eye exam involves an array of tests and procedures aimed at evaluating the visual acuity and overall visual health of the patient. They can be as simple as reading the letters on an eye chart or as complex as using an instrument to look at the eyes’ internal structures. Read on as Opti-Care, your local full-service eye care center, discusses some of the common tests conducted in an eye exam.
Visual Acuity Test
This is one of the first tests administered during an eye exam. The purpose of this test is to measure visual acuity. The patient will be asked to read the letters in an eye chart from 20 feet (6 meters) away, often with one eye covered.
Color Blindness Test
This procedure is done early in the eye exam to rule out color blindness. This goal of the test is to detect hereditary deficiencies in color vision, along with related issues.
Cover Test
This procedure aims to evaluate how well the eyes work together. The patient is asked to focus on an object far away and one nearby while one eye is covered. The test helps the optometrist determine if the patient has a binocular vision disorder, such as strabismus.
Pupil Dilation
In this test, the eye doctor administers dilating drops to enlarge the patient’s pupils. It takes 20 to 30 minutes for the pupils to dilate, at which point the patient becomes sensitive to light and has a hard time focusing on near objects. Patients with risk factors for certain eye diseases may be asked to undergo this test.
Remember that your visual health has a connection to your overall health and well-being. Even if your vision seems fine, you may have undetected underlying eye conditions that could only be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam.
We also offer corrective vision care, which includes eyeglasses and contact lenses prescriptions and LASIK co-management. We are your trusted eye care center for all your needs. Give us a call at (410) 600-3173 to schedule your eye exam today. We serve residents in Marriottsville and Westminster, MD.