There are different levels of eye examination, depending on the reason for the visit — whether you are attending for a routine, preventive examination, if you have indicated a specific concern or reason for the visit, if the doctor schedules a visit to monitor a condition or potential condition, or if you are a new patient.
Every optometric exam starts with a careful case history. This includes family history of diseases affecting eye health or vision, personal ocular history, medications, signs or symptoms of potential vision problems, and activities that may affect an individual's vision needs.
Ability to see near and far, with and without glasses is measured. As well, eye muscle coordination and movement is assessed.
The refractive status (lens prescription) is determined. Because this can fluctuate with blood sugar levels, cataracts and other ocular or systemic conditions, it is important to consider information gleaned from the case history and conduct a full ocular health assessment - the reason for refractive error must be determined so that treatment is appropriate to the diagnosis.
The health of the eyes is examined with a variety of lenses, lights and equipment and, depending on the doctor's findings, further diagnostic tests may be conducted.
Your optometrist analyzes all information derived from the examination to determine a diagnosis and, if appropriate, a treatment plan.
Some people see their eye doctor with no complaints, but are surprised to find there may be an issue with their eyes. The opposite can be true, where a patient is fearful of losing vision, but is reassured to find that these concerns are not vision threatening. There is no substitute for regular, comprehensive eye examinations.