An eye examation is a range of tests performed to assess eye health and function. These range from reading a standard eye chart, to more detailed tests using machines to examine the internal structure of the eye.
Regular eye exams are very important to ensure the health and overall wellness of your eyes. They can be performed to determine the prescription for glasses or contact lenses for long and short-sightedness. They also help detect common and chronic eye diseases and determine early signs of eye disease. which help in assesment of treatment methods.
Certain cases require a eye exam done urgently. Red and itchy eyes or when vision is affected by flashes and floaters could be indicative of eye disease. You should get an eye examination done if you experience difficulties with your vision, have recurrent headaches, or have recently experienced head trauma.
You require more eye exams if you have a family history of conditions like glaucoma or diabetes, as they may detect conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts.
You will be asked about your medical history or any symptoms of vision problems experienced.
Several tests are done to evaluate a range of eye problems and disorders. You may be asked to read letters of different sizes to test for long or short-sightedness, or colours printed on a chart to check for vision clarity. Colour defiency can also be detected through this test to see if you are colour blind.
Your inner eye structure and the back of your eye may be examined for damaged cells. Fluorescein drops are administered to detect foreign bodies or injuries to the cornea in the eye. The cornea is a clear surface that covers your outer eye. A dye or fluorescein is applied to the surface of the eye and spreads over the eye from blinking motions. A cobalt-blue light is directed onto your eye through a tool called a slit-lamp or ophthalmoscope. Abnormalities, abrasions or damage to the cornea can be detected through this procedure.
A retinal examination assesses the back structures of the eye, including the retina, to check for possible eye disease.
Your eye pressure may be measured to detect glaucoma, a condition where your optic nerves are damaged. The test is done with a machine or through a slit-lamp tonometer.
Your corneal thickness may be assesed when you eye pressure is higher than normal. An instrument that uses sound waves is used.to measure cornea thickness. An anaesthetic eye drop is administered to the eye to dilate them when measuring eye pressure.
You will be given a follow up appointment to review your test results. Should you experience vision difficulties or red or itchy eyes, contact your doctor immediately or call our 24-Hour Medical Urgency Clinic.
