What happens at a comprehensive eye exam?

Hi, I'm Dr. Vale. I'm an optometrist.

What happens at a comprehensive eye exam?

An eye examination is a full check of your vision and the health of your eyes, and it is different from a simple vision screening. An eye doctor asks about any vision problems you may have noticed, such as trouble seeing things up close or far away. The exam looks at many parts of your vision.

A test called visual acuity checks how clearly you see. You read letters from a chart up close and at a distance. Other tests might check your side vision or how your eye muscles work together by having you follow a moving object with your eyes. The doctor may also check your color vision. Other parts of the exam can look at how well your eyes focus or if your eyes are aligned.

Someone on the team may check how your pupils react to light by using a small flashlight. To measure the pressure inside your eye, a test called tonometry is used. This can be done with a puff of air or by gently touching the eye with a tool.

The eye doctor sometimes uses drops to make your pupils bigger, which is a step called dilation. This lets the doctor see the back of your eye more clearly. The drops can make your near vision blurry and make lights seem bright for a while after the visit. Because your vision can be affected, driving may be difficult until the drops wear off.

The specific tests in an eye exam can change depending on your own needs and what the doctor is checking for. At the end of the visit, the eye doctor discusses the findings with you. This conversation may cover whether glasses are needed or if your eyes can be monitored.

Call the office if you have questions about your visit or your care. This is general information, not personal instructions. Your own care team can tell you what applies to you.

Thanks for watching.