No matter how perfect your vision is, it’s important to visit a specialist every one to two years for a comprehensive eye exam. These routine checkups are not only essential to address changes in sight, but also to assess your overall ocular health. In fact, they may even help detect problems before you notice them. To help explain how these evaluations accomplish so much, Dr. L R Gabe—a trusted eye doctor in Show Low, AZ—breaks down the basics of the exam process.

What Should I Expect During My Eye Exam?

General Medical Review

Although these evaluations are focused on the eyes, the specialist will want to know about the rest of your health. For example, they will ask if you have any chronic conditions that are known to contribute to eye diseases, like high blood pressure and diabetes. This is also a good time to address any specific concerns you have about changes in your vision. With this preliminary insight, your provider will know exactly what to look for—and which tests to conduct—during the exam.

Eye Function Testing

To make sure your eyes are functioning as they should, the doctor will conduct a quick visual inspection. During this phase of the exam, they will use a special light to see how your pupils react, as well as see how your eyes track movement.

Vision Screening

The main portion of the appointment will be spent determining if you have trouble seeing and, if so, what the extent of the problem is. Through what’s known as a “refraction test,” your specialist will have you look through a viewfinder to see how different lenses improve your vision. Through careful elimination, the optometrist can tell what your vision prescription is.  

Eye Disease Analysis

Depending on any symptoms or health risks you may have, your provider may recommend a few different tests that look for eye diseases. Tonometry tests, for example, use a small puff of air to measure pressure within the eye and assess glaucoma risk. Or, if you’re at risk for diabetic retinopathy, the doctor may recommend a variety of possible tests that help highlight damage, such as a dilated visual exam and intraocular imaging.

If you’re due for an eye exam, it’s crucial to schedule it as soon as possible. Serving patients in Show Low, AZ, for more than 40 years, Dr. L R Gabe is an exceptional resource for all vision examination needs. He will make sure the experience is as comfortable as possible, in addition to providing accurate results. Should you need prescription eyewear, this optician can also introduce you to a wide range of high-quality glasses and contact lenses. You can learn more about these services online or by calling (928) 537-5565 and scheduling a convenient appointment with this trusted specialist.