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What you can expect
- Before the exam. If you're seeing a new eye doctor or if you're having your first eye exam, expect questions about your vision and general health history.
- During the exam. A clinical assistant or technician might do part of the examination, such as taking your medical history and giving the initial eye test.
- After the exam. ...
- Different types of eye exams. ...
What are "normal" results of an eye exam?
This is a test that uses orange dye (fluorescein) and a blue light to detect foreign bodies in the eye. This test can also detect damage to the cornea. The cornea is the outer surface of the eye. How the Test is Performed A piece of blotting paper containing the dye is touched to the surface of your eye. You are asked to blink.
What is the definition of an eye exam?
When you look at your prescription for eyeglasses, you will see numbers listed under the headings of OS and OD. They are Latin abbreviations: OS (oculus sinister) means the left eye and OD (oculus dextrus) means the right eye. Occasionally, you will see a notation for OU, which means something involving both eyes.
What does ou, Os, and OD stand for?
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What is OS od?
What is the eye exam called?
This examination — sometimes called ophthalmoscopy or funduscopy — allows your doctor to evaluate the back of your eye, including the retina, the optic disk and the retinal blood vessels that nourish the retina. Having your pupils dilated with eyedrops before the exam keeps your pupils from getting smaller when your doctor shines light into the eye.
Why do we need an eye exam?
An eye exam helps detect eye problems at their earliest stage — when they're most treatable. Regular eye exams give your eye care professional a chance to help you correct or adapt to vision changes and provide you with tips on caring for your eyes. And an eye exam might provide clues to your overall health.
What age should I get my child's eye exam?
Children 3 years and younger. Your child's pediatrician will likely check your child's eyes for healthy eye development and look for the most common childhood eye problems — lazy eye, cross-eyes or misaligned eyes. A more comprehensive eye exam between the ages of 3 and 5 will look for problems with vision and eye alignment.
What is the name of the dye used to color the film of tears over your eye?
Your doctor may use a dye, most commonly fluorescein (flooh-RES-een), to color the film of tears over your eye. This helps reveal damaged cells on the front of your eye.
Why do we need regular eye exams?
Regular eye exams give your eye care professional a chance to help you correct or adapt to vision changes and provide you with tips on caring for your eyes. And an eye exam might provide clues to your overall health.
What is indirect ophthalmoscopy?
Indirect ophthalmoscopy. As you lie down, recline in a chair or sit up, your doctor examines the inside of your eye with the aid of a special lens and a bright light. This allows your doctor to see details of the retina and other structures in your eye in three dimensions.
What is the visual field?
Your visual field is the full extent of what you can see to the sides without moving your eyes. The visual field test determines whether you have difficulty seeing anywhere in your overall field of vision. Types of visual field tests include:
What are the non-eye diseases that can be seen during an eye exam?
Eye exams may also reveal the presence of many non-eye diseases. Many systemic diseases can affect the eyes, and since the blood vessels on the retina are observed during the exam, certain problems may be uncovered (e.g., high blood pressure or diabetes).
What do eye examiners take?
The examiner will take eye and medical histories that include the patient's chief complaint, any past eye disorders , all medications being taken (e.g., OTC medications, antibiotics, and birth control pills), any blood relatives with eye disorders, and any systemic disorders the patient may have. The patient should also tell the doctor about hobbies and work conditions. This information helps in modifying prescriptions and lets the doctor know how the patient uses his or her eyes. For example, using a computer screen vs. construction work, the working distance of a computer screen may affect the prescription; the construction worker needs protective eyewear.
How is visual acuity measured?
Visual acuity measures how clearly the patient can see. It is measured for each eye separately, with and without the current prescription. It is usually measured with a Snellen eye chart, a poster with lines of different-sized letters, each line with a number at the side denoting the distance from which a person with normal vision can read that line. Other kinds of eye charts with identifiable figures are available for children or anyone unfamiliar with the Roman alphabet. These charts are made to be placed at a certain distance (usually 20 ft) from the person being tested. At this distance, people with normal vision can read a certain line (usually the lowest), marked the 20/20 line; these people are said to have 20/20 vision. For people who can't read the smallest line, the examiner assigns a ratio based on the smallest line they can read. The first number (numerator) of the ratio is the distance between the chart and the patient, and the second number (denominator) is the distance where a person with normal vision would be able to read that line. The ratio 20/40 means the patient can see at 20 ft. what people with normal vision can see at 40 ft. away.
What tests are needed for binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy?
These can include, but are not limited to binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy, gonioscopy, color tests, contrast sensitivity testing, ultasonography, and others. The patient may have to return for additional visits.
How much does an eye exam cost?
An eye examination, given by an ophthalmologist or optometrist, costs about $100. It may or may not be covered by insurance. It begins with information from the patient (case history) and continues with a set of primary tests, plus additional specialized tests given as needed, dictated by the outcomes of initial testing and the patient's age. The primary tests can be divided into two groups, those that evaluate the physical state of the eyes and surrounding areas, and those that measure the ability to see.
What is the instrument used to determine refractive error?
An instrument called a phoropter , which the patient sits behind, is generally used (sometimes the refraction can be done with a trial frame that the patient wears). The phoropter is equipped with many lenses that allow the examiner to test many combinations of corrections to learn which correction allows the patient to see the eye chart most clearly. This is the part of the exam when the doctor usually says, "Which is better, one or two?" The phoropter also contains prisms, and sometimes the doctor will intentionally make the patient see double. This may help in determining a slight eye turn. The exam will check vision at distance and near (reading).
What is an eye exam?
29271-4. An eye examination is a series of tests performed to assess vision and ability to focus on and discern objects. It also includes other tests and examinations pertaining to the eyes. Eye examinations are primarily performed by an optometrist, ophthalmologist, orthoptist, or an optician .
What is external eye examination?
External examination of eyes consists of inspection of the eyelids, surrounding tissues and palpebral fissure . Palpation of the orbital rim may also be desirable, depending on the presenting signs and symptoms. The conjunctiva and sclera can be inspected by having the individual look up, and shining a light while retracting the upper or lower eyelid. The position of the eyelids are checked for abnormalities such as ptosis which is an asymmetry between eyelid positions.
What is pupilary function?
Pupil function. An examination of pupilary function includes inspecting the pupils for equal size (1 mm or less of difference may be normal), regular shape, reactivity to light, and direct and consensual accommodation.
How does a retinoscope work?
To perform a retinoscopy, the doctor projects a streak of light into a pupil. A series of lenses are flashed in front of the eye. By looking through the retinoscope, the doctor can study the light reflex of the pupil.
What is visual field testing?
Testing the visual fields consists of confrontation field testing in which each eye is tested separately to assess the extent of the peripheral field. To perform the test, the individual occludes one eye while fixated on the examiner's eye with the non-occluded eye.
What is an auto refractive?
An auto-refractor is a computerized instrument that shines light into an eye. The light travels through the front of the eye, to the back and then forward through the front again. The information bounced back to the instrument gives an objective measurement of refractive error without asking the patients any questions.
What is visual acuity?
Visual acuity is the eyes ability to detect fine details and is the quantitative measure of the eye's ability to see an in-focus image at a certain distance. The standard definition of normal visual acuity (20/20 or 6/6 vision) is the ability to resolve a spatial pattern separated by a visual angle of one minute of arc. The terms 20/20 and 6/6 are derived from standardized sized objects that can be seen by a "person of normal vision" at the specified distance. For example, if one can see at a distance of 20 ft an object that normally can be seen at 20 ft, then one has 20/20 vision. If one can see at 20 ft what a normal person can see at 40 ft, then one has 20/40 vision. Put another way, suppose you have trouble seeing objects at a distance and you can only see out to 20 ft what a person with normal vision can see out to 200 feet, then you have 20/200 vision. The 6/6 terminology is used in countries using the metric system, and that represents the distance in metres.
What is the name of the condition where the eye has unequal refractive power?
Angle (Drainage Angle) Drainage area of the eye formed between the cornea and the iris , named for its angular shape, which is why you see the word "angle" in the different glaucoma names. Anisometropia. Condition of the eyes in which they have unequal refractive power. Anterior Chamber.
What is the name of the condition where the eye converges to a single focus point?
Aberration#N#Distortions, related to astigmatism , that cause the inability of light rays entering the eye to converge (come together) to a single focus point on the retina . Aberration are divided into two main categories: higher-order and lower-order.
What are the abnormalities in an electroretinogram?
Abnormalities in the electroretinogram typically occur in conditions that affect the photoreceptor cells (e.g. retinitis pigmentosa). Epiphora. Excessive tear production or insufficient tear drainage from the eyes (usually from blockage of the lacrimal duct) causing overflow of tears onto the face. FOVEA AND FOVEOLA.
Which layer of the retina is responsible for transmitting information to the brain?
Retinal ganglion cells. These cells transmit the information from the other layers of the retina to the brain. The axons of these cells make up the optic nerve. Retinal ganglion cells comprise the most superficial cell layer in retina and are susceptible to damage in a number of disease entities, including glaucoma.
What is the term for the condition where the light rays from a viewed object do not meet in
Astigmatism . Structural defects of the eye in which the light rays from a viewed object do not meet in a single focal point, resulting in blurred images being sent to the brain. An astigmatic cornea is not perfectly rounded like a basketball but has an irregular shape more like the side of a football.
What is the space between the cornea and the crystalline lens?
Space between the cornea and the crystalline lens , which contains aqueous humor . Anterior ocular segment. Part of the eye anterior to the crystalline lens , including the cornea , anterior chamber , iris and ciliary body . Antioxidants.
What age can amblyopia be treated?
If amblyopia is not treated before the age of 8, the visual deficit is usually permanent. Hand held chart featuring horizontal and vertical lines, usually white on black background, used to test for central visual field defects.
What is the name of the thin layer of tissue that lines the inside of your eyelids and the outer surfaces of
Choroiditis: A form of uveitis, or inflammation of the uvea, the eye's middle layer. It causes the layer beneath your retina to become inflamed. Conjunctiva : A thin layer of tissue that lines the inside of your eyelids and the outer surfaces of your sclera.
What is the term for the color of the membrane around the pupil?
Hyperopia: When it’s hard to see objects up close, but things farther away are clearer. The common name for this is farsightedness. Intraocular: Of or related to the inside of your eye. Iris: The colored membrane around your pupil. It expands and contracts to control the amount of light that gets into your eye.
What is the name of the muscle that focuses the lens called?
Cyclitis: A form of uveitis that inflames the middle portion of your eye. It can also affect the muscle that focuses your lens, called the ciliary body. Cyclitis may come on suddenly and last several months. Dilation: When the eye doctor gives you medicated drops to open your pupil.
What is the name of the meds that treat glaucoma?
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors: Medications that treat glaucoma. They cause your eye to make less aqueous humor, which lowers pressure. Choroid: The layer of blood vessels between your retina and sclera. Choroiditis: A form of uveitis, or inflammation of the uvea, the eye's middle layer.
What is the name of the inflammation of the conjunctiva?
Conjunctivitis: Inflammation of your conjunctiva, also called pinkeye. Cornea: The clear front outer layer of your eye. It covers the iris. Cryotherapy: Surgery that freezes and destroys abnormal cells. Cyclitis: A form of uveitis that inflames the middle portion of your eye.
How long does uveitis last?
It affects the iris and is often linked to autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. It can show up suddenly and may last up to 8 weeks, even with treatment. Legal blindness: When your vision, in both eyes, can't be corrected to better than 20/200.
What diseases can a doctor check?
They can prescribe glasses and contact lenses as well as check your eye’s internal and external structures for diseases such as glaucoma, retinal diseases, and cataracts, or common conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia.
1. Visual acuity
In the clinic, visual acuity is typically measured at distance. Otherwise, in a consult setting outside of the clinic, it’s measured at near. Don’t forget to have a near card with you.
2. Pupils
Look for anisocoria. If present, carefully check the pupil size in both well-lit and dark conditions.
3. Extraocular motility and alignment
Have the patient look in the six cardinal positions of gaze. Test with both eyes open to assess versions — repeat monocularly to test ductions. Figure 1 below shows which muscle is tested in each position.
4. Intraocular pressure
Goldmann applanation tonometry is the gold standard and should be used in the clinic whenever possible.
5. Confrontation visual fields
Assess each quadrant monocularly by having the patient count the number of fingers that you hold up. If acuity is particularly poor, have the patient note the presence of a light.
6. External examination
Look for any ptosis by measuring the margin-to-reflex distance, which is the distance from the corneal light reflex to the margin of the upper lid.
7. Slit-lamp examination
Lids/lashes/lacrimal system: Normal anatomy and contours? Any lesions?
Overview
Why It's Done
- An eye exam helps detect eye problems at their earliest stage — when they're most treatable. Regular eye exams give your eye care professional a chance to help you correct or adapt to vision changes and provide you with tips on caring for your eyes. And an eye exam might provide clues to your overall health.
How You Prepare
- There are three types of eye specialists. Which specialist you choose might be a matter of preference or will depend on the nature of your eye problem. 1. Ophthalmologists.These medical doctors provide full eye care, such as performing complete eye exams, prescribing corrective lenses, diagnosing and treating complex eye diseases, and performing ey...
What You Can Expect
- Before the exam
If you're seeing a new eye doctor or if you're having your first eye exam, expect questions about your vision and general health history. Your answers help your eye doctor understand your risk of eye disease and vision problems. Questions might include: 1. Are you having eye problems now… - During the exam
A clinical assistant or technician might do part of the examination, such as taking your medical history and giving the initial eye test. An eye exam usually involves these steps: 1. Measurement of your visual acuity to see if you need glasses or contact lenses to improve your vision. 2. Meas…
Results
- Results from an eye exam include: 1. Whether you need vision correction, either through glasses, contact lenses or surgery 2. Whether your eyes are healthy, or you have cataracts, glaucoma or retinal disorders, such as macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy If you need corrective lenses, your doctor will give you a prescription. If your eye exam yields other abnormal results, y…
Clinical Trials
- Explore Mayo Clinic studiesof tests and procedures to help prevent, detect, treat or manage conditions.
Overview
An eye examination is a series of tests performed to assess vision and ability to focus on and discern objects. It also includes other tests and examinations pertaining to the eyes. Eye examinations are primarily performed by an optometrist, ophthalmologist, or an orthoptist. Health care professionals often recommend that all people should have periodic and thorough eye examinatio…
Basic examination
Visual acuity is the eyes ability to detect fine details and is the quantitative measure of the eye's ability to see an in-focus image at a certain distance. The standard definition of normal visual acuity (20/20 or 6/6 vision) is the ability to resolve a spatial pattern separated by a visual angle of one minute of arc. The terms 20/20 and 6/6 are derived from standardized sized objects that can be s…
Eye exams for children
It is often recommended that children should have their first eye exam at six months old, or earlier if a parent suspects something is wrong with the eyes. Across the world, screening programs are important for identifying children who have a need for spectacles but either do not wear any or have the wrong prescription.
Children need the following basic visual skills for learning:
Conditions diagnosed during eye examinations
• Myopia
• Hyperopia
• Presbyopia
• Amblyopia
• Diplopia
Specialized eye examinations
• Color vision
• Stereopsis
• Near point of convergence
• Keratometry
• Cycloplegic refraction
See also
• Binocular vision
• Eyeglass prescription
• Orthoptics
• Retinoscopy
• Stereopsis
External links
Media related to Eye examinations at Wikimedia Commons
• Medscape article on Neuro-ophthalmic examination