How Are Eye Tests Done?

Eye tests are performed to evaluate the health and function of your eyes. Here's a breakdown of how they're typically done:

Comprehensive Eye Examination

A comprehensive eye examination includes several tests to assess various aspects of your vision and eye health.

This common test uses an eye chart to measure how clearly you can see at different distances.
You'll be asked to read letters or symbols, and the smallest line you can read accurately determines your visual acuity.

This test determines your prescription for glasses or contact lenses.
An optometrist uses a phoropter, a device containing different lenses, to find the combination that provides the clearest vision.
You will be asked to state which lens is better when the lens is changed during the test.

A slit lamp is a specialized microscope with a bright light.
It allows the optometrist to examine the front structures of your eye, including the cornea, iris, and lens.
This test helps identify issues like cataracts or corneal abrasions.

This test examines the back of your eye, including the retina and optic nerve.
The optometrist uses an ophthalmoscope or a Volk lens and a light.
This important test can detect changes which can indicate diseases such as diabetes or high blood pressure. The health of the blood vessels and the front of the optic nerve is evaluated.

Depending on the results of your initial examination and your health history, additional tests may be required:

Visual Field Test: Assesses your peripheral vision.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Uses light waves to create detailed images of the retina and optic nerve.
Color Vision Test: Evaluates your ability to distinguish between colors.

Test Type	Purpose
Visual Acuity	Measures clarity of vision at different distances
Refraction	Determines prescription for corrective lenses
Slit Lamp	Examines front structures of the eye
Ophthalmoscopy	Examines the retina and optic nerve at the back of the eye
Tonometry	Measures pressure inside the eyes