What Procedures Are Performed in a General Eye Examination?
A general eye examination is a comprehensive process that evaluates the overall condition of your eye health. This examination plays a vital role in the early diagnosis of eye diseases, the detection of vision impairments, and providing important clues about your general health.
The basic procedures performed during a general eye examination include:
Visual Acuity Test (Snellen Test)This test measures your distance visual acuity. It is conducted using a Snellen chart positioned across the examination room. Each eye is tested separately while the other eye is temporarily covered. This test evaluates your ability to read letters or symbols from a certain distance. Refraction TestThe refraction test checks whether the eye's ability to refract light is correct and determines whether you need glasses or contact lenses. Refractive errors such as myopia, hypermetropia, and astigmatism are detected through this test.
Perimetry (Visual Field Test)This test measures how wide your visual field is. It checks your central and peripheral (side) vision. Various methods can be used, but generally, you are asked to press a button when you notice a point of light. Ophthalmoscopy (Fundus Examination)This procedure allows the eye doctor to examine the structures at the back of the eye – the retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels. This helps in the early detection of conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and other eye diseases.
TonometryTonometry is a test that measures the intraocular pressure. This test is crucial for the early diagnosis of glaucoma. A simple puff of air or more direct measurement methods can be used. Slit Lamp ExaminationThis examination allows the eye doctor to view the front part of the eye - structures such as the cornea, iris, lens, and conjunctiva - in a magnified and detailed manner. The slit lamp examination helps diagnose conditions like cataracts, corneal ulcers, and iritis. These tests provide the eye doctor with a broad range of information about your eye health. The results offer significant insights into the detection of current or potential eye problems, correction of vision impairments, and your overall health. If you have any risk factors or specific health conditions, your doctor may recommend additional tests.
Created Date : 16.08.2024
Updated Date : 06.11.2024