Which Eye Tests and Procedures are Performed During an Eye Exam

The tests and procedures performed during an eye exam depend upon the patient and the situation. For a regular eyeglasses eye exam the following tests are done: chief complaint, ocular history, medical history, visual acuity, intraocular pressure measurement, extraocular muscle evaluation, visual field evaluation, pupil testing, eye alignment testing, refraction, slit lamp examination of the front surface of the eye and its internal structures. Certain complaints or findings on the general examination can show a need for additional testing. Patients with Diabetes or those who notice flashes of light or a shadow over their visual field often need to have their eyes dilated to completely evaluate the retina. If the optic nerve doesn't appear to be healthy, then a glaucoma evaluation may be necessary. Patients with double vision often require more extensive eye alignment testing. Those with unexplained vision loss or headaches which don't seem to involve the eyes or vision correction may need basic Neurological testing. Patients with focusing problems may need to be dilated to get a more accurate eyeglasses prescription. Removal of debris from the cornea can require additional instruments and possibly a bandage contact lens. Some occupations require color vision testing. Assessing the fit and proper power for contact lenses. Some patients with irregular corneas have to be fit with specific contact lenses to correct their vision. Certain ocular health findings may require evaluation by an Ophthalmologist who specializes in the specific area. Some findings requiring consultation include: mature cataracts, wet macular degeneration, aggressive diabetic retinal changes, tears or detachments of the retina, high risk corneal infections, advanced glaucoma, macular swelling, optic nerve swelling. A general exam evaluates a patients visual system extensively enough in most cases, but their are findings or situations when additional testing is needed. Eye Doctors do have different opionions on which tests are necessary for each patient and situation. Some Eye Doctors do consider dilation to be part of a general eye exam and should be performed on each patient.