Explain Eye Exams

Eye exams are designed to give you a better understanding of how well your eyes are operating. Eye doctors also give treatment for eye problems, such as eyeglasses and eye drops. In more serious cases, they refer you to an eye surgeon.

Gathering of Medical History

• Before the eye exam starts, the doctor will sit with you and ask questions about your medical history. These include your age, what vision problems you're having, if you're wearing contact lenses and if you're taking medications.

Visual Test

• The doctor then tests your vision at a distance of 20 feet (at 16 feet for those who are nearsighted). He places the letter board on the back wall of the office and places a tool called the occluder over the eye that's not being tested. The doctor then asks what letters you see and how well you see them.

Records Your Vision

• The doctor records your vision using the Snellen fraction. If your vision is 20/20, then it means that you can read the same size letters at a distance as a person with perfect vision. If the bottom number is substantially larger than the top number, you may have poor vision.

Test For Glaucoma

• The doctor then examines your eyes for possible evidence of glaucoma, which is a serious eye disorder that can lead to permanent blindness. This is caused by excessive pressure inside the eye that can damage the optic nerve.

Prescriptions

• Near the end of the exam, the doctor will prescribe the appropriate lens for your eyeglasses based on the results of your exam. He will measure your eyes with a tool called the autorefractor. You should use this time to inquire about getting the lens that are comfortable for you.