Visual Acuity Tests
Color Blindness Test
Cover Test To Check Eye Alignment.
Ocular Motility (Eye Movements) Testing
Stereopsis (Depth Perception) Test
Retinoscopy
Manual Refraction With A Phoropter.
Autorefractors And Aberrometers
Slit-Lamp Exam
A slit lamp is a binocular microscope (or biomicroscope) used to examine the structures of the eye under high magnification, including eyelids, cornea, conjunctiva, iris, and lens. With the help of a hand-held lens, the doctor may also use the slit lamp to examine structures located farther back in the eye, such as the retina and optic nerve.
The slit lamp exam can be used to detect a wide range of eye conditions and diseases, including cataracts, macular degeneration, corneal ulcers, and diabetic retinopathy, etc.
The Glaucoma Test
Testing for glaucoma typically begins with measuring the pressure inside the eyes. This can be done by the “puff-of-air” test, based on the eye’s resistance to the puff of air, the machine calculates intraocular pressure (IOP).
High eye pressure patients may be at risk for or have glaucoma. The test is completely painless, and the tonometer does not touch your eye.
Pupil Dilation
To obtain a better view of the eye’s internal structures, the eye doctor instills dilating eye drops to enlarge the pupils which usually takes about 20-30 minutes to start working. When pupils are dilated, eyes will be sensitive to light (because more light is getting into the eyes) and you may notice difficulty focusing on objects up close. These effects can last for several hours, depending on the strength of the drops used.
Visual Field Test
This test checks for the possible presence of blind spots (scotomas) in the peripheral (side) vision by performing a visual field test. These blind spots can originate from eye diseases like glaucoma or may help identify specific areas of brain damage caused by a stroke or tumor.
How Long Will The Appointment Take?
A comprehensive eye exam can take 1 hour or longer, depending on the number and complexity of tests required to fully evaluate vision and the eyes health. If the eyes are dilated, at least a 90-minute appointment should be planned.
Can I Drive After My Eyes Are Dilated?
Many patients are able to drive themselves after having their eyes dilated, but it is important to remember that eyes will be sensitive to light and vision may be blurry and you should wear sunglasses after your exam.
For your safety, if you do not feel comfortable driving, arrange for someone to drive you home.
