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Eye examination

Overview: 

An eye examination involves checking a person's eyes through multiple tests to evaluate their vision quality. The results help determine if the person requires glasses or lenses. Other advanced tests help diagnose eye diseases and assess a person's overall eye health. 

Eye specialists are doctors who specialize in caring for eyes and ensuring optimum vision. They treat people of all ages, and their treatment encompasses routine eye examinations to address complex problems like eye surgeries. They use specialized instruments and equipment to check the eyes, which may cause a little bit of discomfort. Regular eye tests can detect eye problems early and keep the eyes healthy.  

Types of eye doctors: 

 There are three types of eye doctors: 

  • Ophthalmologists: Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who are qualified to diagnose and treat any eye and vision condition, including eye surgeries. They are also known as eye surgeons.  
  • Optometrists: Optometrists aren't doctors; however, they can diagnose and treat common eye and vision issues. These healthcare providers cannot perform eye operations. 
  • Opticians: Opticians are professionals who help people decide which eyewear is right for them, be it glasses, contact lenses, or other devices that help correct and enhance vision issues. Opticians refer to prescriptions from ophthalmologists and optometrists and cannot diagnose or treat eye problems. 

 What Conditions Are Treated By Eye Specialists: 

  • Myopia (nearsightedness). 
  • Hyperopia (farsightedness). 
  • Astigmatism. 
  • Presbyopia and age-related eye issues. 
  • Diplopia (double vision). 
  • Weak vision. 
  • Cataracts, glaucoma, and complications of the retina likr retianal detachment.
  • Issues with muscles surrounding the eyes, such as lazy eyes or crossed eyes. 
  • Tumors and cancer in the eye. 
  • Eye injuries

The doctor also checks conditions that are not primarily eye-related but can indicate other significant complications. 

They include:  

  • Autoimmune disorders, like lupus and multiple sclerosis. 
  • Diabetes, that causes diabetes-related retinopathy. 
  • High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and arterial diseases. 

How Frequently Should One Get Their Eyes Checked: 

 People with normal eye vision are recommended to get their eyes tested once every one or two years. The ones who are at risk of developing eye diseases and other eye conditions need to get their eyes tested more often to avoid complications. 

They include: 

  • People above 60 years of age. 
  • Obese or overweight people 
  • The ones who have had an eye surgery or injury before. 
  • Who has a family history of eye diseases? 
  • People who wear glasses and contact lenses. 
  • People with diabetes. 

What To Expect During An Eye Test: 

The technician inquires about the person's health status and family history before conducting the eye test. The person's vision is checked, along with an examination of the muscles and blood vessels around the eyes. 

The technician shines a light on the pupil (small opening in the center of the eye) of the person to view how it dilates. They will also see how the movement and coordination of the eyes. 

 Standard eye tests include: 

  • Visual acuity: This test involves reading the letters on a chart placed at a distance with one eye at a time through a phoropter. A phoropter is a device that enables a person to read letters through multiple lenses to determine which is most comfortable for them and provides the clearest vision. This process is called refraction and enables the technician to determine the right numbered glasses for the person. 
  • Automatic refraction: Here, the technicians use a device called the autorefractor, which measures the visual acuity in children and people who have communication issues. The autorefractor shines light into the eye and automatically records the eye's response to determine the correct lens prescription.  
  • Visual field: This procedure involves checking peripheral vision. The professional holds a finger or an object and slowly moves it from side to side and closer to the person's eyes. The person is asked to move the eyes in the direction of the object without moving the head. This procedure can also be computerized. 
  • Color vision test: This test is used to check color blindness. The professional shows multiple images with colored dots and hidden numbers in different colors. If the person is unable to view the colored numbers, they may have color blindness. 
  • Corneal topography: This procedure involves creating a corneal map. The person is asked to view an object, and the computer measures the cornea from thousands of angles. The test reveals the curvature of the cornea, which is required to fit the contact lens or prepare the person for corneal transplants and eye surgeries. 
  • Ophthalmoscopy: This test is used to examine the components of the eyes namely the cornea, retina, optic nerve, blood vessels around the eyes and the lens. The technician puts eyedrops to dilate the pupils and shines a light on the eye to open the pupils. This test is also called fundoscopy. 
  • Slit-lamp exam: The technician uses this procedure to view the eye parts under magnification. It involves dilating the pupils with eyedrops and using a microscope which is called a slit lamp. The person is asked to rest their chin on the forehead of the apparatus, and the technician views the eyes through the microscope. 
  • Tonometry: This test is used to diagnose eye pressure issues that cause glaucoma. The patient's eyes are numbed with drops, and a puff of air is blown on the cornea through an instrument called the tonometer. The machine measures the amount of pressure required to flatten a part of the cornea.   
  • Fundus photography and optical coherence tomography (OCT): These are imaging tests used to assess eye structures like the retina and the optic nerve. The pupils are dilated, and a camera is deployed to take digital images. Sometimes, a computerized image scanning system is used to take multiple images in seconds to diagnose retinal and corneal conditions.  

If the eyes are dilated, the person may have blurred vision for a few hours after the test. Additionally, the eyes may be sensitive to light. Hence, the person should avoid driving or looking at the screen and wear protective eyewear, such as sunglasses. 

If no dilation has been initiated, the person can resume their activities immediately after the test. The results are given out immediately after the test. If glasses or lenses are required, a prescription is provided. If additional tests are needed, a follow-up appointment is scheduled. 

Conclusion: 

Not all eye problems have visible symptoms, and an eye exam can be a constructive way to find out if a person has any eye-related issues. This can enable a person to see better and experience better eye health. It is essential to let the doctor and technician know the medical history and any existing health conditions during the examination.  

 

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