Your Eye Exam

WHAT TO EXPECT AT AN EYE EXAM: All eye doctors have their own routines, but most eye exams follow a similar pattern. First, we will review your personal and family health history as you may be at special risk for eye problems if there is a family history of eye disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or poor vision.

VISION: We will check for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. While you look at an eye chart, the doctor will measure your vision precisely, and, if necessary, determine a prescription for corrective lenses.

COORDINATION OF EYE MUSCLES: We will move a light in a set pattern to test your ability to see sharply and clearly at near and far distances, and to use both eyes together.

SIDE (PERIPHERAL) VISION: We will move an object at the edge of your field of vision to make sure you can see it.

PUPIL RESPONSE TO LIGHT: We will shine a light in your eye and watch the pupil’s reaction.

COLOR VISION: We will ask you to describe figures in a series of illustrations made up of numerous colored dots or circles. This tests your ability to differentiate colors.

EYE HEALTH: We will use a microscope to check the health of your eyes for conditions such as dry eyes, cataracts, and glaucoma.

MEASUREMENT OF EYE PRESSURE: We will use an instrument that will release a puff of air onto your eyeball. This tests the pressure inside the eyeball, an early indicator of glaucoma and other diseases.