The Basic Eye Exam

YOUR HISTORY:

Your doctor will usually first ask you what problems, if any, that you're currently having. Then he/she will ask you a series of questions about your past eye health, medical health, and family history. Your old/existing eyeglasses will also be measured using an instrument called a lensometer, to see what prescription you have been wearing.

THE EXAM

Every doctor has their own unique style for examining the eye and the order may vary. Generally, the doctor will check many things:

• Your visual acuity with (and/or without) your current eyeglasses.
• Your pupil reflexes
• General eye muscle testing
• Basic peripheral vision testing
• Measuring of the corneal curvature (usually only for contact lenses) using a keratometer.
• Refraction ("Better number one, or better number two?") using a phoropter or refractor.
• Examination of the front of the eye using an upright microscope called a slit lamp.
• Precision eye pressure check with a tonometer.
• Examination of the back of the eye, with an ophthalmoscope.

THE ASSESSMENT & PLAN

Your doctor will assess anything that was wrong with your eyes, including any changes to your eyeglasses/contact lens prescriptions, and addressing any issues/problems you came in with. If there is anything else you'd like addressed, this would be a good time to let your doctor know. Your eye doctor will then hand you a prescription for eyeglasses (and for contact lenses if you were fit with them), and any other treatments as required, and set a recommended time for your next appointment.

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