When was the last time you had an eye exam? A comprehensive eye checkup is just as important as your physical examination and an essential part of healthcare. Your eye doctor in Edmonton will conduct a detailed examination to determine if you need prescription eyewear, and also check for ocular health problems such as Glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, etc.
Most people do not schedule a visit to an eye doctor until they have a problem. While it is recommended that individuals over the age of 40 have an eye exam every 2 years, you should not wait until then; many eye diseases are asymptomatic, so you may not see any visible signs. That is why healthcare professionals recommend that adults should have regular eye checkups every alternate year. However, those under the age of 19, older than 65, or anyone with a family history of eye disease, suffering from diabetes or high blood pressure, suffered an eye injury, undergone eye surgery or wear contact lenses, should have a comprehensive exam every year.
What to Expect During Your Eye Exam in Edmonton
During an eye exam, your eye doctor will conduct a series of tests which assess your vision and optical health. Here is a brief overview of what to expect.
Medical history: You will be asked about your medical history, any preexisting health conditions, prescription medication you might be taking, and if you are experiencing any eye or vision problems.
Visual acuity test: This test measures how well you can see. Your doctor will ask you to read the letters and numbers on a chart positioned some distance away with one eye (while covering the other) and then the other. The size of the letters and numbers gets progressively smaller as you move downwards on the chart.
Ocular motility test: This test determines ocular muscle health and the ability of your eyes to move quickly in all directions. You will be asked to follow the movement of an object with your eyes.
Pupillary reaction test: A bright light is shone in each of your pupils to examine how they contract and dilate in response.
Refraction: Examines your ability to see an object at a specific distance and helps your eye doctor determine the accurate prescription for your eyeglasses. It involves looking through a device called a phoropter to read letters or recognize symbols through lenses of differing strength contained within. In each case, you will be asked to select the clearest option.
Slit lamp test: This test can reveal whether you have any scratches or scars on your cornea as well as whether there are any signs of developing cataracts. A bio microscope called a slit lamp is used to illuminate the front part of the eye for the purpose of examining the eyelids, cornea, iris and lens. You eye doctor may use a dye to see any damages more clearly which will be washed away with your tears.
Glaucoma testing: Regular glaucoma checkups include two routine eye tests: Tonometry and Ophthalmoscopy.
Tonometry measures the pressure within your eye. Eye drops are used to numb the eye after which the doctor or technician will use a tonometer to measure the inner pressure of the eye. A small amount of pressure is applied to the eye by a tiny device or by a warm puff of air.
Retinal examination: Also referred to as ophthalmoscopy or fundoscopy, this test enables your doctor to examine the area in the back of your eye which includes the retina, the blood vessels linked to it and the optic disc. You may be given eye drops to prevent your pupils from contracting when the doctor shines a light from the ophthalmoscope into them to examine the shape and color of the optic nerve. Some eye doctors use a condensing lens and a bright light mounted on their forehead instead of an ophthalmoscope.
If your intraocular pressure is not within the normal range or if the optic nerve looks unusual, your doctor may recommend that you undergo more detailed glaucoma eye exams. Visit your optometrist or local eye doctor in Edmonton for a comprehensive eye exam. At The Optometrists’ Clinic Inc. we conduct eye checkups for the whole family including children, adults and seniors. Whether you are not able to see clearly with your current eyeglasses, feel you need prescription eyewear or just want to keep a check on your eye health; our experienced and dedicated team is always ready to serve you. We offer a range of optical solutions to help you and your loved ones enjoy clear vision and eye health. Find out more about prescription eyewear by contacting us online or visit one of our convenient locations in Edmonton to book your eye exam.