Comprehensive Eye Exam: What is it?

A comprehensive eye exam is thoroughly testing an eye and checking the person’s entire eye and vision; it is like having a physical but for the eye. These exams are needed today because they help people detect problems related to the eye, which cannot be seen with a routine test. A comprehensive eye exam helps you in detecting diseases or disorders of eyes like:

~ Glaucoma

~ Macular Degeneration

~ Cataracts

~ Retinal Detachments

Or any other issues that might occur to your eye due to diabetes or high blood pressure disorders. Every test is done to unravel different aspects of your eyes. The comprehensive eye exam is crucial as it helps detect whether you have eye problems earliest, so they are treatable. 

It is vital to know what includes in a comprehensive eye exam to understand what entails the results of the tests and what is there that you can expect. The first thing you can expect is for the exam to last for an hour or so, it is a very comfortable procedure, and the Eye doctor in Westchester may begin by asking you about your medical history that may include information about:

~ your family, 

~ any current medications you are on,

~ or whether you wear prescription glasses.

Once your doctor has understood your background, he may begin with the tests listed below:

      1. The Vision Test: 

Every person has done this test at least once in their life. It is a simple procedure where the doctor will ask you to read an eye chart to check whether you can see over distances. This exam helps determine the quality of your vision. If the doctor feels that your vision is not a perfect measure of 20/20, they will ask you to look through a phoropter device, as it would contain different lenses. From that, the doctor will check what eyeglasses device contact lens prescription should be given to you.

     2. The Pupil Test:

After this, the doctor will check your pupils by shining a ray of light into your eye. Your pupil’s typical response would be to get shorter in size, but if the doctor sees them not responding or widening; instead, there might be a problem there.

      3. The Peripheral Vision Test:

This is a good test, as most people aren’t aware of their peripheral vision’s health. This test gives the doctor an insight into how your peripheral vision is, as some people may lose peripheral vision without noticing, and it is sometimes a sign of Laser Surgery for Eye Pressure.

      4. The Eye Movement Test:

This test is also called ocular motility, and it checks the movement of your eyes. In this, the doctor may see it the alignment of your eyes and even if your eye muscles are working correctly.

      5. The Eye Pressure Test:

This test is also called the tonometry test that checks the intraocular eye pressure or IOP, also known as the pressure within your eye. If the pressure is increased or more, it is a sign of glaucoma. In this test, there would be a small puff onto your eye and gently applying a pressure-sensitive tip near or against your eye. Some doctors use eye drops that can numb your eyes, as it helps and gives you comfort for this test.

      6. The test of the front part of your eye:

In this test, the doctor will light up your eyes to see the outer parts of your eye, like the cornea, eyelids, lens, and iris. The test would include checking if there are any scars or scratches visible on your cornea; this test also helps to check whether a person has cataracts.

     7. The Test Of Your Retina And Optic Nerve: 

This test begins by putting the dilating eye drops in your eyes to dilate your pupils. It helps in checking whether your retina or optic nerve for any signs of disease. It is important to note that your eyes will remain sensitive to light after this test for a few hours.