General Eye Examination
A thorough eye examination consists of a variety of
standard tests designed to measure visual acuity and other vision
faculties, as well as observe the health of the eye and check for
common eye diseases. There is no pain or discomfort associated with an
exam, and they typically take less than an hour.
General eye exams can diagnose a variety of eye
conditions early on and are the best way to preserve good vision. For
children, strabismus (crossed eye) and amblyopia (lazy eye) can often
be diagnosed and treated in early childhood, avoiding life-long vision
impairment. Also, rare eye conditions from birth (like congenital
cataracts) can be diagnosed and treated. For all ages, refraction
tests can determine whether prescription eyewear would be beneficial,
and what power is necessary. Furthermore, many debilitating eye
diseases can be diagnosed before noticeable symptoms occur, potentially
making the difference between minor damage and major vision loss.
Eye exams are recommended regularly throughout all
phases of one’s life. In the first three years, infants should have
their vision checked as part of regular pediatric checkups. Between
age three and six, an eye exam every year or two is recommended.
Throughout childhood and the teenage years, exams should be scheduled
as necessary. Adults should have at least one exam in their twenties,
at least two in their thirties, and an exam every two to four years
after that. Exams are recommended for seniors every one to two years.
People with diabetes should have at least one exam per year. Exams are
also more frequent for patients monitoring a diagnosed eye condition,
or with a hereditary predisposition to an eye disease.
Common tests and evaluations during an eye exam include:
- Introductory interview: The doctor will ask basic questions about a patient’s medical history and eye health history.
- External examination: The doctor inspects all outward visible parts of the eye and surrounding tissue.
- Pupil inspection: The patient’s pupils will be inspected
for equal size and regular shape. Then the doctor tests how they react
to light and objects at various distances.
- Eye muscle health and mobility: Eye movement is checked in
six directions (corresponding to the six extraocular muscles), as well
as tracking a moving object (such as a pen).
- Visual field: The patient covers one eye at a time, and
with the other eye gazing straight ahead, identifies objects in
peripheral vision (often simply the number of fingers the doctor is
showing.)
- Visual acuity: A common means of measuring visual acuity is
the Snellen chart. This is a large card or projection with
progressively smaller horizontal lines of random block letters. The
test determines how well a patient can discern detail at a given
distance. Patients taking this test will cover one eye and then read
aloud the letters of each row, starting from the top. The smallest row
that can be accurately read indicates the patient’s visual acuity in
that eye.
- Refraction: This test is used to find the best corrected
vision, if necessary for prescription eyewear or contacts. The doctor
will try various lenses in front of each eye, as the patient focuses on
a chart at a distance or up-close, to help determine the best power of
correction.
- Color vision: The doctor shows the patient a series of
images with symbols embedded in color dots or patterns. Based upon the
patient’s ability to identify the symbols, certain types of
colorblindness can be diagnosed or ruled out.
- Ophthalmoscopy: This test is often done with an
ophthalmoscope, a handheld instrument with light and magnifying
lenses. Alternatively, the doctor may use other means, such as a slit
lamp, which affords a more three-dimensional view. Ophthalmoscopy aims
to inspect the retina and surrounding internal eye. This test can help
diagnose problems with the retina or detachment of the retina, and
monitor diseases like glaucoma and diabetes. An opacity in the eye can
indicate a cataract. Sometimes the doctor will dilate the pupils with
eye drops, to gain a wider view of the internal eye.
- Tonometry: This test measures intraocular pressure, which
can be a sign of glaucoma if pressure is abnormally high. Internal eye
pressure is measured either with a puff of air at the cornea or brief
direct contact with the cornea, to measure how easily it is pushed
inward.
Contact us today to schedule an eye examination appointment!
At Nevada Eye Care, patients can choose from a range of sophisticated vision correction treatments. Dr. Casey has multiple years’ experience treating LASEK, PRK and LASIK Las Vegas patients, and he is also highly regarded as a talented Las Vegas presbyopia specialist. For patients seeking cataract surgery in Las Vegas, Dr. Casey offers cataract treatment that includes implantation of sophisticated lens implants, such as ReStor, Crystalens and Toric IOLs.
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