Complete Eye Examination & Diagnosis

Types of Eye Care Professionals

At Visualis Eye Clinic, you may encounter different eye care specialists during your eye exam:

• Ophthalmologists: These are medical doctors (MDs or DOs) who specialize in eye care and surgeries. After completing medical school and residency, many pursue further training in specific areas of eye health.
• Optometrists: Optometrists hold a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree. They are trained to diagnose and treat eye conditions, though they don’t perform surgical procedures.
• Opticians: While opticians do not perform eye exams, they assist patients in choosing the right eyeglasses, measure fit, and help ensure comfort and accuracy of prescription lenses.

Types of Eye Exams

Eye exams are tailored to meet different needs and objectives. At Visualis Eye Clinic, we provide the following types of exams:

• Routine/General Exams: These are periodic checkups recommended even for individuals without vision problems, allowing for early detection of any changes or potential issues.
• Follow-Up Exams: These exams monitor eye health after an injury, surgery, or treatment for conditions like diabetes that may affect vision.
• Medical/Emergency Exams: Conducted in urgent cases such as sudden vision changes or eye injuries, these exams provide quick assessment and treatment to address any immediate risks.

What are the Different Parts of an Eye Exam?

A comprehensive eye exam at Visualis Eye Clinic includes a series of tests, each evaluating a different aspect of your eye function and overall health. There are 13 primary components in a full eye exam:

External Eye Evaluation

1. Visual Acuity: This test measures how clearly you see using a Snellen chart with letters or symbols that gradually get smaller. It’s a simple yet effective way to assess clarity of vision.
2. Visual Fields: This test evaluates your peripheral (side) vision and checks for any blind spots or gaps.
3. Movement and Alignment: This test determines if your eyes are properly aligned and move smoothly in all directions.
4. Conjunctiva: Your provider examines the thin, clear membrane covering the white part of your eye and the inside of your eyelids for any signs of irritation or infection.
5. Ocular Adnexa: This includes examining the surrounding tissues of the eyes, such as the eyelids and tear ducts, as well as checking the lymph nodes near the eyes.
6. Pupil and Iris: Your eye specialist will check how your pupils respond to light and examine the colored part of your eye, the iris, for any irregularities.
7. Intraocular Pressure: Often done using a puff of air, this test checks the fluid pressure inside the eye, an essential factor in detecting glaucoma.

Internal Eye Examination with a Slit Lamp

Some components of an eye exam require a closer look inside the eye, often done using a slit lamp, a special microscope with a light:

8. Cornea: This clear, outer layer of your eye acts like a windshield and is inspected for clarity and condition.
9. Anterior Chamber: The front chamber of your eye, containing the aqueous humor, is examined to check for issues like increased pressure, which could indicate conditions like glaucoma.
10. Lens: Your eye care provider examines the lens to assess clarity, which is essential for clear vision.
11. Optic Nerve: This part of the exam checks the optic disk and cup for any signs of increased risk for conditions like glaucoma or optic nerve damage.
12. Retina: The retina is inspected for signs of damage or changes, which could indicate underlying conditions affecting vision.

Brain Function Assessment

13. Orientation to Time, Place, and Person: In some cases, your eye specialist may assess your awareness of time, place, and self, as changes in vision can sometimes indicate issues related to brain function.

Preparing for an Eye Exam

For most routine exams, minimal preparation is needed. It’s helpful to bring a list of any medications, vitamins, or supplements you’re taking, as well as any eyewear or prescriptions. This helps ensure a thorough and accurate assessment of your eye health.

What to Expect During and After an Eye Exam

During the exam, your eye care specialist will ask about your medical history, any changes in vision, and lifestyle factors. Some tests may require dilating your pupils with eye drops, which temporarily makes it easier to see the inside of your eye.

After the exam, your specialist will discuss their findings, recommend any follow-up tests if necessary, and provide you with a prescription for corrective lenses if needed. If your pupils are dilated, you may experience light sensitivity or difficulty focusing on close objects temporarily, so bringing sunglasses is a good idea.

Risks and Side Effects

Most eye exams are safe, though there may be mild side effects from pupil-dilating drops. These side effects are rare but may include temporary blurring or light sensitivity. Inform your specialist if you have any history of allergies to such medications.

How Often Do I Need an Eye Exam?

At Visualis Eye Clinic, we recommend comprehensive eye exams every one to two years for most adults. However, people with risk factors—such as a family history of eye disease, certain health conditions, or previous eye surgeries—may benefit from more frequent exams.