Risks and Contraindications
There are no risks associated with having a comprehensive eye exam.
There are two practitioners who focus on vision and eye health.
Ophthalmologists can treat all eye diseases and also perform surgery, in addition to providing general eye care.
Illustration by Cindy Chung, Verywell
Optometristsgo to optometry school for four years so you can earn a doctor of optometry degree (OD).
Optometrists are not able to do surgery.
Many eyeglass stores employ optometrists to give customers eye exams as well.
Often, a health insurance plan will include a separate rider for comprehensive eye exams.
And still other vision plans provide coverage for glasses andcontact lensesor at least offer a discount.
What to Bring
You will need to have your health insurance or vision insurance card with you.
If you only wear eyeglasses, be sure to do so the day of the exam.
You’ll need to remove your lenses for certain tests, as well as to have your pupils dilated.
In addition, bring a list of all medications you take, including prescriptions and over-the-counter and herbal supplements.
Beyond that, you will start and finish your appointment in an exam room.
Your exam is likely to begin with a series of questions about your vision and general health.
Your doctor may ask if you:
After this discussion, testing begins.
The smallest letters you are able to read will determine your acuity.
Your visual acuity may be written as20/20if your vision is normal.
If you have less than 20/20 vision you havemyopia or hyperopia.
The nerves that control the pupil travel through a long pathway.
Certain pupillary reactions can reveal neurological problems.
Sometimes the acronym PERRLA is used to describe the findings of a pupillary response test.
The doctor will look for uniformity between bothpupilsand note their shape and size prior to starting the test.
Normally, the pupils constrict while fixated on an object that is being moved close or far away.
Your eye doctor or a technician will sit in front of you and ask you to cover one eye.
This test measures the muscles that control eye movement.
Cover Test
This simple test measures how well the eyes work together.
They are evaluating your eye as it is uncovered and re-fixes on the target.
you’re able to find theIshihara color blindness testonline and try it yourself.
Retinoscopy
Retinoscopy is a test that gives your eye doctor a way to measure refraction.
The results of a refraction test are primarily what the doctor uses to develop your finaleyeglassand/or contact lens prescription.
This will reveal any defects or diseases of the eye, such ascataracts.
Thetonometerdetermines intraocular pressure by measuring the resistance of your cornea to indentation.
This, however, is considered to yield less accurate results.
Retinal Examination
Sometimes called funduscopy orophthalmoscopy, this typically is the last step in a comprehensive eye examination.
It starts withpupil dilation.
It takes 20 to 30 minutes for your pupils to fully dilate.
(When the pupil isn’t dilated, only small portions of the retina and nerve are visible.)
You will also need to submit a copy of this prescription if you are buying from an online retailer.
If you want to try contact lenses, you will need to schedule aseparate examto be fitted for them.
You will then be free to leave.
If you want to put contact lenses back in, ask if it’s OK to do that.
Note, though, that wearing contacts may be irritating while your pupils are still dilated.
Your vision may be a bit blurry for several hours.
In that case, the doctor will refer you to your primary care physician or to a specialist.
Fewer than 15 percent of preschool children get an eye exam.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.Your Eyes Could Be the Windows to Your Health.
American Optometric Association.Comprehensive eye exams.
Hirshfield GS.Can a Dilated Eye Exam Harm My Unborn Child?American Academy of Ophthalmology.
The 8-Point Eye Exam.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.How Color Blindness Is Tested.
2012;6:4-5. doi:10.2174/1874364101206010004
American Optometric Association.Championing childrens eye care.
AAO.What to Expect When Your Eyes Are Dilated.
Sept 1, 2017.
AAO.The 8-Point Eye Exam.
May 24, 2016.
American Refractive Surgery Council.5 Reasons Why You Should Get an Eye Exam Annually.
July 3, 2018.
Cleveland Clinic.Optometrist or Ophthalmologist: Which Is Best for Your Eye Care?June 29, 2017.
Mayo Clinic.Is it necessary to have my eyes dilated during every eye exam?Feb 7, 2018.
National Eye Institute.Get a dilated eye exam.
