8 Things to Expect With Eye Exams
Did you know that three in four adults need vision correction? An annual eye exam is a great opportunity to make sure your eyesight is up to par, as well as to check for any symptoms of underlying health issues. The best part? If you have vision insurance, routine eye exams are considered preventive care, which means you won’t have to pay a thing.
Here are eight things you can expect to happen at your eye exam:
Medical and eye history review: Your eye doctor will look over your history to determine if you’re at risk for vision problems. They can also evaluate if you have (or may someday have) health conditions that could influence your vision.
The “puff test:” Your doctor will apply a quick puff of air to each eye to measure their fluid pressure. This simple test helps screen for glaucoma, which is a common optic nerve disorder that can lead to vision loss.
The letter chart: Also called a Snellen chart, this chart has differently sized rows of letters. You’ll be asked to read the chart row by row to test your distance vision.
Dilation: Your eye doctor will put a few drops in each eye to enlarge your pupils. This may make your vision blurry for a short while, but it helps the doctor check for symptoms of health conditions.
The refraction test: Either with a machine or the help of a light, your doctor will determine your “refractive score,” which measures how much light is bouncing off your retina. This score lets your doctor determine which prescription lens number will help you see best.
The color blind test: Your doctor can run a quick screening test to determine if you experience color blindness and if there are any eye problems that affect your ability to see colors properly.
The slit lamp: Also called a biomicroscope, a slit lamp provides your doctor with a magnified view of your eyes. This helps your doctor look around and in your eyes for injuries or diseases.
The cover test: During this simple test, you will cover each eye separately and look at an object. Your doctor will evaluate how each eye moves to see a particular item.
We know — all these tests associated with eye exams probably have you feeling like you’re back in high school. But don’t worry! A vision exam is a simple, affordable way to make sure you and your eyesight are healthy. Interested in a vision plan that can get you access to these free exams? Check out our affordable options here.
