While some may fear taking an eye exam, the process isn’t difficult or extremely uncomfortable. If you know what to expect before entering the optometrist’s office, your exam can be a pleasant experience. When you are looking for a quality eye exam here in Boston, you want an experienced Optometrist who can perform some of these tests for you.
Visual Acuity Tests
This is one of the key tests used during an eye exam. A projected eye chart is used to measure the sharpness of your vision. The eye doctor will observe the accuracy of your vision as you will read down the list of letters as far as you can.
Retinoscopy
This test helps the optometrist to deduce your correct prescription. In this test the lights in the room are turned down, and you will be told to focus on a particular object. The eye doctor will then continuously shine a light on your eye, and flip different lenses. He will then quite accurately determine by the way the light reflects on your eye what prescription you will need. This test is especially helpful for older patients or children who may find it difficult to answer certain questions.
Cover Test
This test helps the optometrist to see how well your eyes function together. The doctor will cover one of your eyes and ask you to look at different small objects. He will do the same test on both of your eyes. Depending on if the uncovered eye moves or not, common eye problems such as strabismus or amblyopia (lazy eye) can be diagnosed.
Refraction
This is another test that is used to accurately determine your prescription. Manual refraction is performed with an instrument called a phoropter in your eye exam. While using this machine, the doctor will continuously change lenses and ask you which choice looks clearer. Based on your answers, your eye doctor will continue to adjust the lens power until he reaches a final eyeglass prescription. The refraction test will determine if you are nearsighted, farsighted or suffer from astigmatism or presbyopia. Autorefractors or aberrometers are similar machines that may also be used to diagnose the prescription.
Slit-Lamp Examination
Also performed in an eye exam here in Boston is the slit-lamp examination. It measures your eye health by examining such structures as your eye lids, cornea, iris, retina, optic nerve and so on. This biomicroscope can reveal common eye diseases or infections such as: cataracts, corneal ulcers, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and more. You will also be tested for glaucoma.
Pupil Dilation Test
Dilating drops are put in your eyes to enlarge your pupils. This lets the eye doctor examine the retina of the eye to detect any diseases or problems.