Eye Exams: What to Expect

Eye exams are more than just getting a prescription and making sure that your vision is 20/20. The following list of 9 services is approximately what you should expect during a routine eye exam at Urban Optique. Most eye exams can take about an hour, depending on the Doctor and assistant as well as which tests are being performed for your specific needs.

1. Personal Information

The assistant will ask you what medications you may be on, if you have any health issues and what sort of vision issues you may be experiencing.

2. Pre-Test / Preliminary Testing

A series of tests such as:
Non Contact Tonometry – checks for fluid pressure in the eye and is important in detecting and monitoring Glaucoma.
Visual Field Test – checks peripheral vision and tests transmission between optic nerve and the brain.
Retinal Photos – a digital picture of the back of the eye which may be referenced at future visits should any changes in your eye health be detected.

3. External Eye Exam

Performed by the Optometrist to check the outer surface of the eye, eyelids, cornea, and surrounding eye tissue.

4. Internal Eye Exam

Performed by the Optometrist to evaluate the inside of your eye. General health issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease as well as eye conditions including cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration can be discovered during the internal portion of your eye exam.

5. Refraction

Performed by the Optometrist to determine the prescription needed in your new glasses or contact lenses to ensure optimal vision.

6. Vision Tests

The Optometrist may perform numerous additional tests as needed to determine and fully assess your visual system. This may include color vision testing and stereo-vision testing.

7. Dilation

If the Optometrist determines that a more extensive evaluation of the inside of your eye is necessary, dilation may be recommended. This involves medicated drops being placed in the eyes to dilate the pupils and allows for a more thorough internal eye evaluation.

8. Cirrus HD-OCT

This advanced technology instrument allows the Optometrist to see a direct cross-sectional image of the retina (back of the eye). The retina has many layers and functions like the film of a camera. Performing an OCT is non-invasive and only takes a few minutes. By performing a Cirrus HD-OCT the doctor is able to measure and monitor changes in the retina related to eye conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. It is also useful in diagnosing conditions that may be reducing a patient’s vision that would otherwise go undetected. Examining the retina without a Cirrus HD-OCT is like trying to diagnose a broken arm without an x-ray, or a ruptured disc without an MRI.

9.Corneal Topography

Corneal Topography is a non-invasive medical imagery test that maps the surface of the cornea (the very front part of the eye), and provides a thorough and extremely accurate measurement of the cornea.
Topography is essential in evaluating degenerative corneal conditions such as keratoconus and corneal dystrophies. It is also used in evaluating patients for refractive surgery (such as Lasik) and complex contact lens fittings.

Book an Eye Exam today and experience the Urban Optique advantage.