During an eye exam, your ophthalmologist will do a lot more than just check your vision. Using a variety of tools and techniques, they’ll screen for a comprehensive range of potential health issues, from glaucoma to astigmatism and macular degeneration. These tests are completely painless, but many patients who’ve never had a comprehensive eye exam aren’t sure what to expect. Understanding the process before your appointment can help alleviate your nervousness.

What Happens During an Eye Exam?

The Visual Acuity Test

Typically, the exam starts with the visual acuity test, which you’ve probably taken before. Most optometrists will ask you to read from a wall chart with progressively smaller text and use a smaller hand-held test to check your near-field vision.

Testing How Your Eyes Work Together

Good vision depends on smooth binocular coordination, so they’ll probably start by covering one eye and asking you to look at different objects around the room. Your doctor will also ask you to follow a small light without moving your head to test your ocular mobility.

The Phoropter

During the refraction test, the doctor will put a device called a phoropter over your eyes, then flip through a series of lenses to see which best corrects your vision. By comparing different lenses and continuously asking for your input, the doctor will zero in on the correct prescription. Some offices might ask you to look into an autorefractor, a laser device that accurately measures the curve of your lenses and calculates your prescription strength.

Disease Testing

A slit lamp is essentially a binocular microscope that allows the doctor to closely, painlessly examine the structures of your eyes themselves. This part of the eye exam allows your doctor to see early signs of cataracts, corneal ulcers, and other medical issues. To accurately perform these tests, they might have to dilate your pupils with special eye drops, which can make you sensitive to light for several hours.

For more than 60 years, Abel Klecker & Robbins has been caring for the vision of patients throughout Lexington, KY. At their office, you’ll find a friendly, highly trained team with the equipment and expertise to provide routine eye exams, treat emergencies, and handle everything in between. For a full list of their vision services, visit their website now, or call (859) 269-6921 to schedule your eye exam today.