What Happens in an Eye Exam

Routine eye examinations have the same importance as regular dental check-ups. They are required regardless of age or physical health. It is an important part of health maintenance because eyes are tested to keep current prescriptions and check early signs of eye disease. The sense of sight is often something that is taken for granted. If truth be known, multitudinous problems could arise that have the potential to cause complete loss of vision. This is reason enough why regular examinations are necessary.

An eye examination is a battery of tests to check your vision as well as the overall health of your eyes. It usually takes an hour and consists of most of the following:

A visual acuity test. This is a test to measure of the sharpness and clarity of your vision. The eye doctor will ask you to read letters on a chart while standing around 20 feet away. Your acuity is determined by the smallest letter you are able to read.

A confrontation visual field. This type of test is a quick check of your basic field of vision that includes your peripheral vision. The eye doctor will sit in front of you and ask you to cover one eye; then, you will be asked to say when you can see his hand as it enters your field of vision from the sides.

An extraocular movement test. This is a simple test that is conducted by moving a pen or small object in different directions of gaze to measure the muscles that control eye movement.

A pupillary test. The Houston eye exam part where the pupil reaction is tested by directing a very bright light toward one or both eyes. Certain pupil reactions can reveal neurological problems including some serious conditions.

A cover test. This is a part of the Houston eye exam to measure how well the eyes work together. The doctor will ask you to fixate on a near or distant object. He will cover one eye, pause, then, uncover it. This can help detect crossed-eyes, lazy eye or a decrease in depth perception.

Houston eye exam is available through several different places including an independent eye doctor’s office, the eye department of a medical clinic or a group of eye care specialists.