Getting routine eye exams is vital to being proactive with your health management. During a comprehensive eye examination, your eye specialist will screen for prevalent eye conditions, evaluate the coordination of your eyes, and much more. Diseases such as diabetes and hypertension are often detected during eye exams.
At Zen Eye Institute, Our Comprehensive Eye Exam Includes Measuring Your Visual Acuity – But What Exactly Does This Entail?
Visual acuity refers to the clarity or sharpness of vision. It measures how well an individual can discern the details and shapes of objects at a distance. Several tests measure visual acuity, but the Snellen chart test is the most common.
The Snellen chart displays letters of progressively smaller sizes, and the individual being tested is asked to read these letters from a specific distance, usually 20 feet. The results are often expressed as a fraction, such as 20/20. The top number refers to the distance from the chart, and the bottom number indicates the distance at which a person with normal eyesight could read the same line you correctly read.
For instance, if you have 20/40 vision, you need to be 20 feet away to read a letter that a person with normal eyesight could read from 40 feet away.
There are also visual acuity tests to measure near vision. These often involve reading from a card held about 14 inches away from the eyes.
It’s essential to regularly test visual acuity because it can identify vision changes that might require corrective lenses or other treatments.
Other Components of a Comprehensive Eye Exam
Measuring your visual acuity is just one component of a comprehensive eye exam. We test to ensure that your eyes are properly working together, can track moving objects, access a full spectrum of colors, detect blind spots, and determine your perception of depth. We also measure the pressure in your eyes with a harmless puff of air to test for Glaucoma.
Other screening may include ophthalmoscopy, which examines the interior structures of the eye, such as your blood vessels, retina, and optic nerve, to diagnose and monitor a multitude of ocular and systemic conditions. Retinal imaging and screening slit lamp examinations are other tools ophthalmologists can use to help diagnose various eye conditions and diseases if symptoms suggest.
What Is a Phoropter?
A phoropter, or a refractor, is the large instrument placed in front of a patient’s face during an eye examination. The phoropter allows the eye care specialist to determine the patient’s eyeglass prescription, often referred to as “refraction.” This tool has various lenses of different strengths that can be rotated into the patient’s view, allowing the optometrist or ophthalmologist to determine the best lens power for each eye to provide the sharpest vision.
How Often Should I Get a Comprehensive Eye Exam?
Your eye doctor will typically advise you to undergo a comprehensive eye exam annually. However, if pre-existing conditions elevate your risk, you may be advised to have exams more regularly.
When did you last undergo a thorough eye check-up? Delay no further — contact Zen Eye Institute to book your eye evaluation.
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Zen Eye Institute, formally Rohr Eye & Laser Center, has served the greater Grand Blanc area for over twenty years. Now operating under Dr. Charles Zenzen, we offer comprehensive medical and surgical eye care treating various conditions and diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, dry eyes, and more. For exceptional eye care at our state-of-the-art practice, call (810) 579-0202 to make an appointment today!
Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com