What happens during an eye test?
During a typical eye test an eye care specialist (optometrist) will use various amounts of tests in order to check every aspect of your vision. The specialist will first ask you some questions in order to gain a general overview of your health and vision such as “Do you wear glasses?”, “Are you having problems with your vision?” and “Are you currently taking medication?”
There are a number of tests that the majority of optometrists perform. Many of these tests will be very unfamiliar if you have not had an eye test before, however the optometrist will talk you through the test to ensure you feel comfortable and you can ask questions are any time.
One test that the majority of people will be familiar with is the eye chart test. You will usually be shown a chart consisting of letters decreasing in size from top to bottom which you will be required to read aloud. This test measures your visual acuity which is how clear your vision is.
A very common test is one whereby lights will flash in the zones of your periphery vision whilst you stare at a target straight ahead. This visual field test measures your peripheral vision and is a test which can be used to detect a form of glaucoma.
Retinoscopy is a test which involves shining a light into your eyes in order to see how your eyes reflect the light when focusing on one particular object, such as a letter. Different lenses will be used which will show whether reflection of light differs between lenses and this can then aid the optometrist with discovering what kind of prescription you require.
A test for refraction is then used. This is a test to discover whether you are long-sighted, short-sighted or have astigmatism. The optometrist will pick two lenses used in the retinoscopy test which showed the best reflection of light. An optical device called phoropter will be placed in front of your eyes for you to look through and you will be asked to look at letters and tell the optimist which letter looks clearer as the lenses are switched. From this the optometrist can gain an accurate view of what prescription is needed.
One test which many people worry about is the tonometry test. This test involves a puff of air directed at the eye in order to measure the pressure inside the eye by seeing how resistant your eye is to the air. This test however is completely painless and is nothing to worry about. This is just another standard test in order to gain accurate details of your eye sight.
There may be a few more tests depending on your current eye sight and health; however the above are standard during an eye test. Once complete, your optometrist will gather the results together in order to find your prescription. They will discuss the results with you and what your options are such as whether you need prescription glasses or contact lenses.
How long does an eye test last?
A routine eye examination usually takes approximately 25 minutes. 15 minutes is usually allocated to performing the actual eye tests as mentioned above, and the further 10 minutes is used for obtaining your prescription and discussion your results with you.
Benefits of an eye test?
Regular eye checks, just like dental checks, are extremely important and should be carried out a minimum of once every two years.
Many people have the false belief that eye tests will just tell you whether you need prescription glasses, however they can tell you a lot more. Regular eye tests can reveal underlying, unknown conditions which can be detrimental to a person’s eye sight and health and unless caught early enough they could develop further. Eye tests can pick up on range of problems from eye diseases which cause blindness to tumours of the brain and therefore they are a necessity, especially as many eye conditions are asymptomatic.
