An eye examination is carried out by an optometrist and usually takes about 20 - 30 minutes (but may take longer if extra tests are required). As well as testing your sight, the optometrist will check the health of your eyes and look for signs of general health problems. The examination will normally include the following elements:
History and symptoms
At the start of the eye examination, your optometrist will ask why you are having your eyes examined, whether it is a routine check-up or if you have you come for a specific reason. If you are experiencing problems with your eyes or vision your practitioner will need to know what symptoms you have, how long you have had them and whether any changes have happened suddenly or slowly over a period of time.
Your optometrist will also need to know about your general health including any medication you are taking, whether you suffer from headaches, or have any close relatives with a history of eye problems. You will be asked about your previous spectacles or contact lenses. Additional information, which will help your practitioner to make an accurate assessment, includes your occupation, whether you play sports or have any hobbies.
Examining the eye
Your eyes will be examined both externally and internally. This will enable an assessment to be made of the health of your eyes and may identify any other underlying medical problems. The interior of your eye will be examined using an ophthalmoscope, a special torch which shines a light through the pupil allowing a detailed study of the internal structures. Your pupil reflexes will also be tested.
Other tests which may be carried out, if necessary, include for example those for glaucoma or colour vision deficiency. If you are over 40, the College of Optometrists recommends you should be checked to make sure you are not developing glaucoma. If you have glaucoma you will not normally notice until some sight has already been lost. Checking for glaucoma involves a combination of two or three of the following three tests: looking inside your eye; measuring the pressure inside your eye (which may be done with a puff of air or after using drops to gently numb your eyes); and checking your visual fields to make sure you don't have have any abnormal blind spots. Many optometrists now offer extra tests, such as photography of the interior and exterior of the eye, for which an additional charge may be made. Extra tests are also needed for contact lens fitting and check-ups.
Vision
Remember to take your spectacles or contact lenses with you when you attend for an eye examination. Your vision will be measured both with and without spectacles or lenses to check for any problems with your eyesight. The optometrist would normally assess your distance vision (for TV and driving), your near vision (for reading and close work) and your intermediate vision (for computer use).
Your optometrist will then carry out a series of tests to measure the type and extent of any problem with your vision. You will then be asked to choose between different lenses to see which ones help the quality and clarity of your vision.
Eye movements and co-ordination
Eye movements and co-ordination are checked to make sure that both eyes are working together, and that undue stress is not being placed on the eye muscles. Good muscle balance is particularly important for those who use computers or read for prolonged periods.
After the eye examination
Your practitioner will now have a detailed knowledge of the health of your eyes, the standard of your vision and any special requirements that you may have. This information will be explained to you but if you do not understand anything or require more information, ask your optometrist who will be only too pleased to help. You will also have the opportunity to discuss the best form of vision correction to suit your individual lifestyle and visual needs.
At the end of the examination you will be advised on the appropriate interval until your next examination and be handed a prescription for spectacles or contact lenses, or a statement which confirms that your eyes don't need correction. If you need medical treatment for an eye condition you may be referred to your doctor or hospital.
When you have your prescription made up, you will be given help in choosing spectacles or contact lenses. If you choose contact lenses you will be given advice on the various types of lenses available, the procedures for fitting lenses and further information about caring for and cleaning your lenses.
If you are not satisfied with your spectacles or contact lenses make sure that you contact your practice so that the matter can be dealt with promptly. As part of continuing care and service your optometrist will be happy to adjust or make minor repairs to your spectacles where possible.