Eye exams are a crucial part of overall health and wellness. They not only help identify and correct vision but can also diagnose potentially serious conditions, such as glaucoma, while they are treatable or reversible. It’s natural to be curious about your first exam, so here’s what to expect.

Before

Choose a clinic that offers the type of care you need. Many optometrists work in full-service clinics that offer frames and fittings for eyeglasses. When you check into your appointment, be prepared to give information about your eye health and any vision problems, general medical history, allergies, and current medications. 

During

During the exam, you’ll have several types of vision tests. None of these procedures are painful, although some people may experience slight discomfort or eye fatigue after. Common tests include:

• Visual Acuity Test: This is what you typically think of with the eye chart on the wall. It measures the sharpness of vision in each eye.
• Cover Test: The doctor will cover one eye and have you focus on an object with the other eye. This test measures how the eyes work together.
• Ocular Motility: This shows how well the eyes can follow moving objects.
• Depth Perception: Sometimes called eye teaming, it measures the quality of depth perception.
• Retinoscopy & Refraction: These tests use specific instruments to determine the eyeglass prescription, if necessary.
• Glaucoma Tests: These are different tests, such as a visual field or the puff-of-air test. Glaucoma can cause blindness if left untreated, so it’s always good to opt for testing.

You may have other tests, such as pupil dilation, as determined by the optometrist. In some clinics, a technician will administer basic exams, while the optometrist will interpret the results and perform the procedures for determining prescriptions.

After

After the eye exams, the optometrist will speak with you about the results and any need you have for glasses or contacts. If an indication of eye disease is present, they will discuss the next steps and treatment options. If you need a prescription, you will then be fitted by an optician in the clinic for glasses or contact lenses. 

Your first eye exam will set a baseline for eye health and ensure any serious conditions are caught early. Medical Eye Associates, S.C, in Mukwonago, WI, offers eye exams; LASIK^® surgery; treatment for glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts; and fittings for glasses and contacts. They are connected to a full-service optical shop for filling eyeglass prescriptions. Call (262) 363-5333 to schedule an appointment, or visit their website to learn more about their staff and services.