Understanding Your Eye Exam

Unlike a vision screening provided at schools or other general eye tests, a comprehensive eye exam evaluates your eye’s entire health and vision. Comprehensive eye exams should begin before your child starts school to ensure proper eye and vision development and be scheduled yearly unless otherwise noted by your doctor. However, if you feel your or your child’s vision may be suffering before this time, contact us to schedule an exam!  

What Does a Comprehensive Eye Exam Include?

Vision Test

The most common test recognized with a comprehensive eye exam is the vision exam using a Snellen eye chart. You may recognize this test, though you may not know it by name. With an “E” at the top and eleven rows of capital letters, the Snellen chart helps your doctor determine your visual acuity. The fourth line from the bottom of the chart is considered “20/20” vision. 

What is 20/20 Vision?

20/20 vision means you can see as well at 20 feet as someone with adequate visual acuity should, and generally, you don’t need corrective lenses to drive or do other everyday activities. If you cannot read the smaller lines on the chart, your doctor will ask you to determine the characters on the higher letters. From there, a starting point is determined for further testing to narrow down your prescription.

Inside & Behind Your Eyes

Most importantly, a comprehensive eye exam checks your overall eye health and not just your vision or prescription. Additional tests during your eye exam may include:

• Color test to determine if you have any color blindness. 
• Slit Lamp test to allow your doctor to view and access the structure of your eye. This test allows your doctor to detect any abnormalities that signal some eye-related diseases. 
• Glaucoma test to measure the pressure within your eyes.
• And more!

The Importance of a Regular Eye Exam

Comprehensive eye exams often are the best way to ensure your eye health and maintain the best vision possible. They are also the first line of defense to protect you from both eye-related diseases and other medical conditions. Your eyes can show much more than your vision and could provide warning signs to you and your doctor regarding other conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes.