22
Jan 2014
What to Expect at the Eye Doctor: Common Tests
In order to keep your eyes healthy, it’s important to schedule and commit to keeping regular visits with an optometrist.
During these checkups, eye care professionals look for any emerging problems with your vision and your eyes. By performing various tests, optometrists can find problems early and offer solutions as well as provide treatment before they get too advanced.
Here at Spektacles, San Diego’s leading optometry practice, our optometrists have several tests available to check the health of your eyes.
These range from glaucoma tests, checking for scarring and swelling, checking blood circulation to the retina, or even simply determining your prescription needs. Below is a brief description of three common tests your optometrist may opt to perform on you during a routine eye examination.
Glaucoma test– The clinical term for a glaucoma test is Applanation Tonometry, and it is used to measure the pressure required to flatten the cornea. During this test, your doctor will place anesthetic drops and a dye in your eye. The dye fixes itself to the tears of your eye and the pressure is measured by a device called a tonometer which gently touches your eye.
Pupil Dilation– This exam is used for checking the retina for any signs of damage or disease. A pupil dilation test involves your doctor putting drops in your eye which cause your pupils to dilate. With your pupils opened up, your doctor can get a detailed look at your retina.
Retinoscopy– This test uses light reflected from your eyes to determine your prescription needs for contacts and eyeglasses. Your optometrist will shine a light in your eyes and flip images with a machine while you stare at a large target.
None of these tests are painful, but they can be necessary to determine different things about your eyes and your vision. There are many possible tests your eye care professional can perform, but these are just a few of the ones you might experience during a routine eye examination. Our trained physicians and staff are committed to helping you keep your eyes healthy.
If you are experiencing any issues with your eyesight or eyes, make an appointment today with one of our doctors. And don’t forget to keep your annual appointments with your optometrist to keep your eyes sharp and strong.
