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Types of Eye Examinations

When you undergo different types of eye exams, your eye doctor is doing more than making sure you don't need to buy glasses or contact lens. In fact, your doctor is evaluating your vision to detect any problems with your eyes. Typically before any type of eye exam, your doctor or technician asks you about your medical history and whether you suffer from any diseases such as diabetes, and whether you have noticed any vision changes.

  1. Basic Eye Exam

    • When you undergo a basic eye exam, the doctor places his finger approximately 14 inches away from your eyes then moves it from side to side. You have to follow the movement with your eyes without moving your head. With a basic eye exam, your doctor is looking for any problems with your eye muscles. Also, the doctor is making sure that one of your eyes isn't compensating for the other. During a basic eye exam, the doctor examines the iris, cornea and pupil ensure they are properly functioning. The appearance and shape of your eye is also tested. The doctor wants to ensure that your field of vision and depth perception is also functioning correctly.

    Examining the Eye Structure

    • The slit lamp examination is a type of eye exam that tests the structure of your eyes. During the slit lamp exam, you rest your chin on a device, allowing the doctor to view your eyes' structure. The doctor actually uses a magnifier and high-powered light, according to Healthtree, to check for any abnormalities in the back and front of the eyes. The goal of the exam is to identify any vision problems such as macular degeneration and cataracts. Also during the slit lamp exam, your doctor places eye drops containing fluorescein into your eyes. The drops allows the doctor to check for any scratches on your eyes.

    Testing the Retina

    • The retinal exam, or fundoscopy, is another type of eye exam. In addition to the retina, it also tests the underlying layer of blood vessels that nourishes the retina and optic disk, according to MayoClinic.com. Before the retinal exam begins, your doctor places eye drops in your eyes. The eye drops dilate your pupils. You may briefly experience a medicinal taste in your mouth or stinging in your eyes because the drops move into your throat and tear ducts.

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