What to Expect at an Eye Appointment in 2021: Did you know there are over 194 million American adults who use vision correction? Not only are we near and farsighted, but many of us also have eye conditions that need to be detected and treated.
This means that it’s important that you make an eye appointment every year or two, depending on your age.
If you’ve never done so before, you might not know what to expect. Keep reading to see what you’ll go through at your first eye exam.
Preparation
Before you go for your eye exam, you should know a few things first. When you call to make your appointment, mention any issues you might currently have with your vision.
For your appointment, bring your glasses and contacts, as well as an up-to-date prescription. You’ll also want to bring sunglasses since your eyes might be dilated for tests.
Medical History
First off, the eye doctor will ask you about your medical history, as well as your vision history. Make sure you list all the medications you’re currently on.
Feel free to reiterate any issues you might be having with your sight, as this will affect what eye tests they choose for you.
Testing
Now, your eye doctor will test your eyes.
The first test is to check your eye muscles. You’ll have to look at their pen or finger and follow it back and forth.
They’ll also perform a cover test and pupil reaction test. These test for strabismus and how well your eyes react to light.
And, of course, your eye doctor will test for visual acuity. This is where you read letters of varying sizes on a chart from a distance.
Many eye doctors today will give you a digital eye exam. This will measure your prescription more accurately and quickly.
Your optometrist will also use a slit lamp. This is basically a light machine that examines the whole of your eye, including the back. This can help your doctor determine if you have any eye conditions.
To further check the back of your eyes, they might dilate your pupils and give you a retinal exam. This is usually suggested for those who have powerful prescriptions.
Lastly, your optometrist might also test for glaucoma. This is done through a “puff test,” where a puff of air is blasted at your eyes.
The eye doctor will see how much resistance there is from your eyes when this is done. This will give them an idea of the pressure inside your eyes. If the pressure isn’t within the normal range, you might be at risk of glaucoma.
Schedule an Eye Appointment Today
Now that you know what an eye appointment entails, you probably feel much more at ease about it. So the next thing you should do is speak to your eye doctor about getting an exam. Take your eye health into your own hands!
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