Comprehensive Eye Exam
If you are experiencing any difficulty with your eyes that affects your vision, you are probably a bit nervous about your exam. Understand that many very treatable conditions may cause similar symptoms. Successful diagnosis and treatment begins with a comprehensive eye evaluation. That is why at Lifetime Eyecare we take great care to examine your eyes thoroughly. We use the safest and most modern equipment and techniques to diagnose and treat your vision.
A comprehensive eye exam includes a variety of tests and evaluations to determine the health of your eyes and the quality of your eyesight. Some of the preliminary testing and data gathering will be performed an assistant or technician. But the health evaluation of your eyes, the prescription of your eyeglasses and/or contact lenses, and the analysis of the findings of your exam will always be performed by Dr. Fisher
For any evaluation, we ask that you bring a list of any allergies, your medical history, insurance information, your eyeglasses and contact lenses if any are worn, and any medications you are currently taking to your appointment. New patients may also want to fill out our new patient and medical history forms prior to your visit as a time saving measure. Depending on your needs, your eye exam will last anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes. When you make an appointment for your exam, ask how long your exam will be so you can plan your day accordingly. Be aware that we may dilate your pupils, which may affect your near vision for a period of time after your exam.
Though each eye exam is unique, the following tests are performed at most complete eye exams. More tests or fewer tests may be performed depending on your situation
Though the tests listed below are the most common tests performed during a routine eye exam, we will determine the scope of your exam and what tests need to be performed to provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment. The fitting of contact lenses requires additional testing and follow-up exams before a contact lens prescription can be written.
In some cases, Dr. Fisher will feel it's necessary for you to have additional specialized tests to rule out or treat eye disease or general health problems. These tests may be performed by our office or may require that you see a specialist in the area of concern. We will try to explain carefully our recommendations and why additional testing may be required.
- Medical History and Vision Complaints
You will be asked a number of questions about your health, your vision, and your personal and family medical history. This information helps us determine if you are at risk for certain eye diseases and vision disorders.
- Visual Acuity Test
The clarity of your eyesight is called your visual acuity. Dr. Fisher or an ophthalmic assistant will test your visual acuity at distances of approximately 20 feet (distance vision) and 16 inches (near vision).
- External Examination
Early in your exam, we will examine your eyes and face without any specialized instruments, paying particular attention to the appearance of:
•Your eyelids and face looking for any unusual skin conditions
•The base of your eyelashes looking for evidence of unusual growths or infection
•The "whiteness" of your eyes looking evidence of Conjunctivitis or other problems
- Eye Alignment Test
Proper eye teaming is necessary for clear, comfortable, binocular vision. Poor eye teaming can lead to eyestrain, blurred vision, double vision, strabismus, and amblyopia. To test for binocular vision disorders, we will observe how much your eyes must move when covered and uncovered to refocus on the object, we can determine if your eyes are properly aligned and how well they work together as a team.
- Pupil Response Test
The pupil changes in size in response to different lighting conditions and controls the amount of light that reaches the light-sensitive retina at the back of the eye. We will look closely at the size of your pupils to see if they are the same size and shape. A significant difference in pupil size may indicate a problem with your eyes or parts of the brain. Next, we direct a bright beam of light alternately at each of your eyes. By observing the change in size of your pupils in response to the light, your doctor can determine if your pupils function normally.
- Refraction
The refraction is the part of the exam when we determine the prescription of your lenses for eyeglasses.
- Slit Lamp Exam of the Anterior Eye
Dr. Fisher will use an instrument called a slit lamp (also called a biomicroscope) to take a close look at the surface of your eyes and the anterior portion of the interior of the eye.
- Evaluation of Eye Pressure
Excessive pressure inside the eye can damage the optic nerve, leading to glaucoma. This serious eye disease can affect people of any age and is a leading cause of blindness.
- Examination of Posterior Eye (Retina and Optic Nerve)
The retina is the light-sensitive inner lining of the back of the eye. The optic nerve transmits the electrical impulses from the retina to the visual cortex of the brain. Evaluation of the retina and optic nerve is important to rule out glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, and other potentially sight-threatening eye conditions.
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