Comprehensive Eye Exams
A critical part of preventive health care.
More than just a test for blurry vision, a comprehensive eye exam checks for a wide range of existing and potential health issues.
Most optometrists recommend you receive at least one comprehensive eye exam each year. More if you have specific eye problems or health conditions.
To book a comprehensive eye exam for you or a loved one, find a San Diego area optometrist near you.
What Does a Comprehensive Eye Exam Include?
Your optometrist will determine what tests are needed for your comprehensive eye exam based on your medical history. However, most exams include the following tests:
Visual Acuity
This test is used to gauge the sharpness of your vision by measuring the exact distance at which your eyes are able to focus on distant objects. It is typically performed with an eye chart.
Color Blindness
A surprising number of people do not realize they are color blind to at least one color. Even if you are not color blind, this test offers other insights to your optometrist that he or she may not have discovered without the test.
Cover Test
This is a non-invasive test that your optometrist uses to determine if your eyes are working together in the way they should. The cover test is commonly used to diagnose serious eye conditions like lazy eye, strabismus, or binocular vision.
Eye Movement (Ocular Motility)
The eye movement test is another test done during a comprehensive eye exam. It helps your optometrist determine how well your eyes follow moving objects. This test takes only a minute and is non-invasive.
Tonometry (“The Glaucoma Test”)
Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that carries very few warning signs. Some people report only minor discomfort in the eyes. Yet, early detection can save your sight. During this test, your optometrist will have you rest your chin in a sling to minimize movement. He or she will then use a machine to blow a quick and painless puff of air into your eyes. This procedure measures pressure inside the eye.
In addition to the above-mentioned tests, your optometrist may also include:
- Visual fields test to check for blind spots
- Retinoscopy to estimate your eyeglass prescription needs
- Refraction to exactly measure your eyeglass prescription needs
- Slit-lamp which tests for common eye diseases and eye condition
- Retinal photo screening to test for diabetic retinopathy
- Ophthalmoscopy to examine the back part of your eye (fundus)
Comprehensive eye exams are an important component of preventative care. Don’t delay — find a San Diego area optometrist near you and schedule your appointment today.