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Apr 3, 2024 · 2. An ophthalmologist evaluates and considers your personal risk of disease, which is influenced by factors such as age and family history. They’ll steer you toward the proper health screenings at the right times. 3. Ophthalmologists can spot eye disease early and take steps to protect your sight. Many eye conditions are silent: By the time ...
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Before your eye examination explains the importance of having regular eye examinations and addresses the concerns you may have. During your eye examination goes through each step of the examination you will have with an optometrist and the procedure for being referred to an ophthalmologist. After your eye examination looks at the results you ...
- Overview
- How often should I get an ophthalmic exam?
- How do I prepare for an ophthalmic exam?
- What happens during an ophthalmic exam?
- What do normal results mean?
- What do abnormal results mean?
- What’s the takeaway?
A standard ophthalmic exam is a comprehensive series of tests done by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. These doctors specialize in eye health. They’ll use these tests to check both your vision and the health of your eyes.
A standard ophthalmic exam is also known as a comprehensive eye exam or a routine eye exam.
Children and teens
According to joint recommendations from the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, a child should undergo their first basic eye test when they’re a newborn. They should also get their vision screened at these stages: •once between ages 6 and 12 months old •once between ages 12 months and 3 years old •once between ages 3 and 5 years old •every 1 to 2 years after 5 years old These screenings will help their doctor determine whether a more comprehensive exam is needed.
Adults
The AAO recommends that adults who have good vision and aren’t experiencing any eye problems get ophthalmic exams at these stages: •once between ages 20 and 29 years old •twice between ages 30 and 39 years old •at 40 years old •as recommended by their doctor, after age 40 and before age 65 years •every 1 to 2 years starting at 65 years old Adults who have any issues with their eyes or vision should see their eye doctor at least once a year, unless the doctor recommends otherwise. According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), adults who need yearly exams due to a higher risk for eye and vision problems include those who: •wear contact lenses •take medications that have eye-related side effects •have had eye surgery or an eye injury •have a personal or family history of eye disease •have occupations that may be hazardous to the eyes (being a welder, for example) People who have had refractive surgery (such as LASIK, PRK, or SMILE) should be examined every 1 to 2 years. If you have an eye disease, talk with your doctor about how frequently you should have exams. Diabetes and your eye health Diabetes can lead to complications such as glaucoma or vision loss. If you have diabetes, your eye doctor will want to check your vision regularly and monitor whether it changes. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends that people with type 1 diabetes have their first eye exam within 5 years of being diagnosed. After that initial exam, they should have yearly eye exams. The ADA also recommends that adults with type 2 diabetes have their first eye exam once they receive a diagnosis. After that initial exam, they should have yearly eye exams. If you have signs or symptoms of diabetic retinopathy, your eye doctor may recommend more frequent eye exams.
There’s no special preparation needed prior to the test. After the exam, you may need someone to drive you home if your doctor dilated your eyes and your vision hasn’t yet returned to normal.
Remember to bring sunglasses to your exam. After dilation, your eyes will be very sensitive to light. If you don’t have sunglasses, the doctor’s office will provide you with something to protect your eyes.
Vision screening
Your doctor will perform a visual acuity test. During this test, you’ll look at a chart containing symbols or shapes (such as the alphabet). The doctor will take note of your ability to correctly identify these symbols or shapes from a distance. They’ll also perform a refraction test. The purpose of this test is to determine whether light bends correctly when it passes through your lens or if you have a refractive error, such as nearsightedness. During the refraction test, you’ll use a device with different lenses to view an eye chart 20 feet away. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, the test is also used to determine your prescription.
Dilation
Your doctor will also dilate your eyes with eye drops to make your pupils larger. The pupils are the black circles at the center of the eyes. Dilation helps your doctor view the back of the eye.
Other parts of the exam
Other parts of the exam may include checking: •your 3-D vision, also known as stereopsis •your peripheral vision to determine how well you see outside of your direct focus •the health of your eye muscles Other tests include: •examination of your pupils with a light to see if they respond properly •examination of your retina, at the back of the eye, with a lighted magnifying lens to see the health of blood vessels and your optic nerve •a slit lamp exam, which uses another lighted magnifying device to check various parts of the eye, including your: •eyelid •iris, the colored part of the eye •cornea, the transparent dome that covers the front of the eye •conjunctiva, the thin membrane covering the whites of the eyes (sclera) •a colorblindness test, in which you look at circles of multicolored dots with numbers, symbols, or shapes in them •tonometry, a glaucoma test in which the doctor uses an instrument to make contact with or blow a painless puff of air at your eye (this helps them measure the pressure of the fluid within your eye)
Normal results indicate that you:
•have 20/20 vision, which means that you can see certain objects clearly from 20 feet away
•can differentiate colors
•have no signs of glaucoma, which is characterized by optic nerve damage
•have no other abnormalities of the optic nerve, retina, and eye muscles
•have no other signs of eye disease or conditions
Abnormal results mean that your doctor detected a problem or a condition that may need treatment, including:
•vision impairment requiring corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses
•astigmatism, a condition that causes blurry vision due to the shape of the cornea
•infection
•trauma
These conditions are more common in children, but may also be seen in adults:
Your vision will change throughout your life. That’s why getting semi-regular or regular eye exams is important, even if you don’t have any problems with your vision.
In addition, certain chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure can affect your eye health too.
Oct 3, 2023 · Regular eye exams are critical for the following reasons: Early Detection. Early detection of glaucoma is vital for preventing vision loss. Eye doctors can check for signs of glaucoma before symptoms develop, allowing for early intervention and treatment. Treatment can slow down or stop the progression of the disease. Monitoring.
Jun 30, 2021 · FG Trade/Getty Images. Ophthalmologists are medical professionals who are licensed to practice eye medicine and surgery. An ophthalmologist can: perform eye exams. diagnose and treat eye disorders ...
- Ruth Eagle
May 15, 2024 · But about 11 million Americans over age 12 need vision correction. But that's just one reason to get your eyes examined. Regular eye exams are also an important part of finding eye diseases early to protect your vision. Eye diseases are common and can go unnoticed for a long time. Some eye problems don't have any symptoms in their early stages.
People also ask
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What is a standard ophthalmic exam?
Why should you get your eyes checked?
Aug 9, 2024 · The results of a refraction test are primarily what the doctor uses to develop your final eyeglass and/or contact lens prescription. Slit Lamp Examination. To examine the front and back of your eye as part of an overall test of general health, the doctor will use an instrument called a slit lamp, or biomicroscope.
