What to Expect During an Annual Eye Exam

Regular eye exams are vital for maintaining good eye health. During the exam, the doctor conducts several tests to assess ocular health. The tests determine if you need correction and look for signs of eye disease. The exam also allows eye care providers to evaluate the patient’s overall health. 
 

Getting a Comprehensive Eye Exam

Doctors use special instruments and equipment to look into the eyes during an eye exam. Eye tests help monitor vision changes after marking eye problems over time. The tests are painless but may be slightly uncomfortable. 

Optometrists or ophthalmologists conduct the exams. Eye professionals recommend comprehensive eye exams every one or two years. The exams are essential for children and adults alike. Some individuals may require more frequent exams. This depends on their age, eye health, and other factors. 
 

Annual Eye Exams - What to Expect

The doctor will ask about your family history and general health. The specialist will perform several tests to check your vision and evaluate your eye health. They will evaluate the blood vessels and muscles around your eyes. The doctor will shine a light to see how the pupil dilates and check how the eyes focus, move, and work together. The tests can detect early signs of vision issues and eye diseases. 
 

Tests Conducted During Eye Exams 

Doctors conduct various tests during annual eye exams. They include:
 

• Visual acuity test. It involves reading letters on an eye chart to check eyesight. 
   

• Automatic refraction. The test measures visual acuity.
   

• Visual field testing. Doctors check the side or peripheral vision. 
   

• Color vision testing. 
   

• Ophthalmoscopy.
   

• Corneal topography. 
   

• Slit-lamp exam. 
   

• Tonometry. The eye pressure test can help check for glaucoma. 

What Annual Eye Exams Evaluate 

Comprehensive eye exams provide information about the individual’s vision and eye health. They inform doctors if the patient needs corrective lenses and determine the prescription. The doctor will evaluate various eye-related concerns. 

The issues they look for include changes in vision, such as low vision. They also look for refractive errors, such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and problems with the eye muscles. They check for tumors or eye cancers. Eye doctors can also check for diseases and conditions that may not be eye-related.
 

What to Expect After an Eye Exam

If your eyes were dilated during the exam, expect to experience blurry vision for several hours. Your eyes will also be more sensitive to light. Avoid driving or using digital devices immediately after the exam. 

Use sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sunlight as the pupils shrink back. If you did not get dilation, you could return to your normal duties soon after. You will receive the results of the exam immediately after. If you need vision correction, the doctor will provide a prescription. 

The specialist may recommend additional tests or a follow-up exam. Comprehensive eye exams will help you see better and will detect eye issues. Early detection is essential for effective treatment.

For more on what to expect during an annual eye exam, visit SpecTakular Boutique at our Dawsonville, Georgia office. Call (706) 216-7732 to schedule an appointment today.