What to expect during your eye exam
Eye exams are essential in protecting your vision and health. Before the actual exam, you will be asked a few questions about your vision history. If you are experiencing problems with your eyes or vision, our staff will need to know what symptoms you have, how long you have had them, and whether any changes have happened suddenly or slowly over a period of time. If you currently wear contacts or glasses, it is a good idea to bring them to your appointment. Dr. Turin will also need to know about your general health, including any medication you are taking, whether you suffer from headaches, or have any close relatives with a history of eye problems. During your comprehensive eye exam, a series of tests are performed to assess your vision and the overall health of your eyes. The entire process takes anywhere from thirty to forty-five minutes, depending on the procedures that must be done to fully assess your vision. Here are some of the tests that you will likely encounter:Visual Acuity Test
Most people are familiar with the Snellen letter chart, which is used to check the sharpness of your vision. Our staff will have you read letters of varying sizes from the chart to determine how well you can see them from across the room. To test your near vision, a smaller, hand-held chart is used.
Cover Test
This simple test is used to see how well your eyes work together. Dr. Turin will have you focus on a small object across the room, then alternately cover each eye. Then, he will do the test again but have you look at something closer.
Eye movements and co-ordination
Eye movements and coordination are checked to make sure that both eyes are working together, and that undue stress is not being placed on the eye muscles. Good muscle balance is particularly important if you use computers or read a lot.
Refraction
This procedure will help refine the lens power and ultimately determine your final eyeglass prescription. At Mt. Hood Eye Care, we use the latest technology in computer-assisted refraction. This technology helps take the guesswork out of the test and provides the most accurate prescription for your glasses and contact lenses.
Slit-lamp Examination
The slit lamp is a microscope that enables Dr. Turin to look closely at both the external and internal structures of your eyes. He will have you place your chin on the chin rest, then shine the lamp’s light into your eye. This highly magnified view will reveal signs of infection or disease. Aside from these procedures, Dr. Turin may recommend that more specialized tests be performed. You will also have the option to use a digital retinal exam to gain an incredible view of your eye’s retina (the back of the eye). This improved scope aids in the diagnosis and prevention of various eye conditions and diseases, including macular degeneration, glaucoma, and more.
After the eye examination
Dr. Turin will now have detailed knowledge of the health of your eyes, the standard of your vision, and any special requirements that you may have. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if there is something you don’t understand, Dr. Turin is there to help. You will also be able to discuss the best form of vision correction to suit your individual lifestyle and visual needs. At the end of the examination, you will be advised of when you should have your next examination. You’ll also be given a prescription for glasses or contact lenses or a statement that confirms that your eyes don’t need correction. If you need medical treatment for an eye condition you may be referred to your doctor or hospital.
Choosing glasses or contact lenses
When you have your prescription made up, you will be given help if needed in choosing glasses or contact lenses. If you choose contact lenses you will be given advice on the various types of lenses available, how to fit them, and how to look after and clean them. If you are not satisfied with your glasses or contact lenses make sure that you contact our office. As part of continuing care and service, Dr. Turin will be happy to adjust or make minor repairs to your glasses. The College of Optometrists advises you to be careful about buying glasses or contact lenses from somewhere other than where your eyes were tested. This is due to the fact that if you have any problems with your new lenses, it may be harder for them to be sorted out.