EYE Test 101: All About Eye Tests

Merivale Vision Care EYE Test 101: All About Eye Tests

Most eye conditions are undetectable until they become serious. That is why it important that you have your eyes undergo an eye test on a regular basis and as early as possible. Here are some important things that you need to know about comprehensive eye examinations. Have you ever tried going to a local eye clinic and get your eyes checked? If so, when was the last time you visited an optometrist for an eye test? Here are some important things that you need to know about comprehensive eye examinations. We will also be discussing today things like when do you need to visit an optometrist, and the importance of having your eyes checked as frequent and as early as possible.

1. What are eye tests?

Eye tests or comprehensive eye examinations are a series of tests conducted by eye experts to see if your eyes are doing well. This is far different from eye check ups which are done by a general practitioner. Unlike simple eye checkups, eye tests are performed by professionals who specialize in the overall health of the eye, most especially on the diagnosis and treatment of mild to serious eye conditions.

There are many kinds of eye conditions and there are also different ways to assess and address these conditions. For instance, if you are experiencing frequent headaches, blurry vision, and night blindness, eye tests can help identify what causes such issues, what is the current state of your eyes, and how to improve them. The following are some methods used for eye examinations:

Refraction Test – This is the most common test that is carried out as part of a routine eye examination. This test is done in order for experts to measure the prescription required for your contact lenses or eyeglasses. The refraction test can also help the experts identify if you are a nearsighted or farsighted person or if you have astigmatism. Applanation Method - This test helps diagnose glaucoma (a sneaky and severe condition) by measuring the amount of pressure that is needed to flatten the cornea. This method also detects problems in the optic nerves behind the eye. Corneal Topography - This test is done to map the curvature of a person's cornea (outer eye layer) to address issues herein. Pupillary Dilation Test - This test is done to expand the pupils for experts to see problems occurring in the retina.

With the help of the above-mentioned tests, the doctors are able not only to detect eye problems but also to know if you need vision therapy. The eye doctors will also base the next steps they will recommend on the result of these tests. It is highly recommended, though, that you also answer interview questions honestly. It is likewise important to open up all your concerns before the tests begin.

2. Who performs the eye test? Let's talk about WHO does these tests. When it comes to eye-related tests and issues, you have three professionals who you can depend on - opticians, optometrists, and ophthalmologists. Surely, they seem to be all the same but they actually differ in a way or another. Please allow us to differentiate these great eye experts here.

Optician - An eye expert you can always run to when you need a new pair of prescription sunglasses, glasses, or contact lenses. They can also treat very mild eye conditions. Optometrist - The eye expert that focuses on lenses and addresses common eye problems that may not require surgeries. Ophthalmologist - The last resort for complex eye conditions. This expert focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of severe eye problems, as well as the overall health of the eyes.

3. Where do I get an eye test? A comprehensive eye examination can only be done in eye clinics. You can also visit a school/office clinic or a general practitioner's clinic and have a subtle eye check up but these clinics may only address the most common eye problems. Though subtle eye check-ups done at a general practitioner or school/office clinic are also essential, such types of clinics may refer you to eye experts if they find something wrong about your eyes or vision that is beyond their expertise or scope. It could save you time, effort, and resources if you directly approach eye specialists.

4. When should I take one? If you are asking when should someone start having their eyes tested, it is as early as 3 years old. As for the frequency, it depends on which age scale you belong. For kids and teens, eye tests must be done as early as the age of 3 and before the child enters first grade or as recommended by the doctor. For adults 20 to 40 years old, a comprehensive eye check-up must be done every 5 to 10 years.

For adults ages 55 to 64, eye tests should be done once every 1 to 3 years. For adults ages 65 and up, it must be at least once every 1 to 2 years.

5. Why should I get an eye test? The answer to the question “why you need to have your eyes checked as early and as frequent as possible” is quite obvious. But it is still worth mentioning. An eye test is an effective tool used to detect early signs of severe eye conditions, and other health conditions like diabetes, lack of certain vitamins and minerals, and more. Most eye conditions are undetectable until they become serious. You'll never know how mild or severe your case may be until you have undergone eye tests. So it is always best to have an eye examination on a regular basis and as early as possible so that the doctor can be able to detect early signs of eye problems and treat them even before they become apparent. The result of the tests will determine who will treat you best.

8A-1547 Merivale Road Ottawa, ON K2G4V3 T: (613) 226-8446 F: (613) 226-1831 https://merivalevisioncare.com/

EYE Test 101: All About Eye Tests