The Seeing Eye: What You Can Expect From Your Eye Exam

Everyone knows that you are supposed to see your dentist every six months for a dental cleaning, but did you know that you are supposed to get your eyes examined every year as well? As a part of your body that often gets neglected, your eyes need to be properly tested not only to get a new prescription but to check for eye diseases like cataracts and glaucoma. Read on to learn more about what you can expect from your eye exam.

The Eye Chart
One of the first things that your eye doctor will have you do is to cover one eye and read off the lines of an eye chart— this test is used to see whether or not you nearsighted or farsighted.

Play the Guessing Game
One of the most basic things to know about an eye exam is that it can sometimes feel like a guessing game. By conducting a test called subjective refraction, patients will wear a trial frame and look at an eye chart. The doctor will then change the lenses and ask the patient which one they can see better with— this mechanism is designed to narrow down your prescription. And although you may feel like you guess half of the time, your doctor will be able to get you the right prescription.

Follow the Light
One of the other components of an eye exam involves a retinoscope. By flashing a light directly into your eyes, the doctor will be able to see how the eye reacts to the light. Additionally, the retinoscope shoots the light into the eye which then measures the refractive error without the patient having to utter a word.

Glaucoma Test
A common glaucoma test that is done involves puffing air directly into the eye. Although uncomfortable, this test is used to calculate the pressure in your eye. If you have high pressure, then you are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma.

Getting a new prescription every year may sound a bit excessive, but it is the best way to ensure that you see correctly. If you would like to schedule an eye exam with one of our doctors, contact Millennium Park Eye Center today!