A technician will often perform a few basic tests before you see the doctor, including a color sensitivity test, peripheral vision test, a glaucoma (or “air puff” test) and a cover test to determine how well your eyes work together.
Eye health assessment
They'll look at the structures of your eyes, including the optic nerve, macula, retina and cornea, checking for cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye conditions.
The screening is usually a set of simple assessments such as: Testing your visual acuity using an eye chart either with "Snellen" letters or for children who can't read yet, what is called the "Tumbling E" chart. Testing your pupil reactions to light. Eye coordination using simple charts or other basic tests.
Autorefractor test
Your optical assistant will ask you to stare into the machine through two lenses and focus on a picture. The machine will make the picture appear closer and then further away and, as it does this, it calculates an estimation of your prescription with how well your eyes focus on the image.
One of the most significant differences between vision tests and eye exams is the type of person who runs each one. Eye exams must be performed by a qualified eye doctor, such as an optometrist or an ophthalmologist. Conversely, vision tests can be run by practically anybody since they rely on automated equipment.
Fluorescein angiography allows a doctor to clearly see the blood vessels at the back of the eye. A fluorescent dye, which is visible in blue light, is injected into a vein in the person's arm. The dye circulates through the person's bloodstream, including the blood vessels in the retina.
A refraction test is one portion of a standard eye exam—the part where the eye doctor determines what, if any, prescription (or changes to your current prescription) are needed.
The eye examination usually takes around 20 – 30 minutes. During the examination, the optometrist will: ask you about: your general health.
The duration of the eye test will vary from patient to patient, but usually a comprehensive eye test can range from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the unique needs of the patient.
The actual procedure takes around 20 minutes to complete. However, we usually recommend our patients to allow for about 4 hours, as there is a preparation required before surgery, and recovery time afterwards.
A refraction is a test that simply evaluates your visual acuity, and your eyes don't have to be dilated to give accurate results. The doctor may prescribe glasses or contact lenses if you need correction.
The visual acuity test is used to determine the smallest letters you can read on a standardized chart (Snellen chart) or a card held 20 feet (6 meters) away. Special charts are used when testing at distances shorter than 20 feet (6 meters). Some Snellen charts are actually video monitors showing letters or images.
The leading causes of blindness and low vision in the United States are primarily age-related eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, cataract, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma.
In fact, they can even spot brain tumours before there are any noticeable symptoms, making routine eye tests a good choice if possible. During an eye test, an optician can identify a brain tumour by either noticing a swelling of the optic disc or seeing pressure on the optic nerve.
Digital eye exams typically provide the most accurate optical measurements. A thoroughly performed traditional eye exam can still be just as accurate for all intents and purposes. However, this takes a lot more time and effort on the part of the optometrist.
The Optician uses an ophthalmoscope or Volk lens to examine the retina at the back of the eye, including the blood vessels and the front of the optic nerve. This important test can detect changes which can indicate diseases such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
Eligibility for free sight tests
If you're aged between 16 and 70 it is normally recommended that you have your sight tested every two years. You may need to have your eyes tested more often if there is a clinical reason for doing so.
Free NHS eye tests are available for many people such as those under 16, over 60, or those diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma. If you're not entitled to a free test, you'll need to cover the cost yourself, but you could get a great deal with our Specsavers promo codes.
You're entitled to a free NHS sight test if you: are under 16. are 16, 17 or 18 and in full-time education. are 60 or over.
You'll be eligible for a free home eye test if you qualify for a free NHS-funded eye test and are unable to leave home unaccompanied due to a physical or mental illness or disability.
In most cases, the average patient will be able to drive immediately after an eye exam. Your vision is slightly blurred after dilation but it does not affect them much. Of course, eye dilation affects every person differently.