General Eye Exams
What to expect at your eye exam
A comprehensive eye examination is carried out by your ophthalmologist and usually takes about 60 minutes. Sometimes it can take longer if you need extra tests, but this is to make sure you can see as well as possible.
As well as testing your vision the ophthalmologist will check the health of your eyes and look for signs of general health problems. We will screen for glaucoma, cataracts, retinal disease and diabetes. The exam could take longer if there is a need for additional testing.
History and Symptoms
The exam will begin with the ophthalmic technician taking a complete history.
If you are experiencing problems with your eyes or vision your ophthalmologist 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.
Your ophthalmologist 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, such as glaucoma, diabetes and macular degeneration.
You will be asked about your previous glasses or contact lenses. Please remember your current glasses and contacts.
In addition you may be asked about the kind of work you do and whether you play sports or have any hobbies.
Examining your eyes
Your eyes will be examined both outside and inside. This will allow the ophthalmologist to assess the health of your eyes and may identify any other underlying medical problems.
You may need extra tests, such as photography of the interior and exterior of the eye, for which an additional charge may be made. Extra tests are also needed for contact lens fitting and check-ups. Formal peripheral vision testing may also be needed.
What to Expect When Your Eyes are Dilated
Dilating drops are used to dilate or enlarge the pupils of the eye to allow the doctor to get a better view of the inside of your eye and check for any problems that can occur due to the following:
- Systemic Diseases, such as Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Cancer, etc. that can affect the eyes without obvious symptoms to the patient.
- Physical Changes in your eyes, such as cataracts, glaucoma, retinal detachment, etc. that can affect your vision.
Dilating drops frequently blur vision for a length of time which varies from person to person and may make bright lights bothersome, reading things up close difficult. This may last for many hours. Because driving may be difficult immediately after an examination, it’s best if you make arrangements not to drive yourself.
Adverse reaction, such as acute angle-closure glaucoma, may be triggered from the dilating drops. This is extremely rare and treatable with immediate medical attention.
