What Happens During an Eye Exam

Are you scheduled for a visit to the optometrist? If you’re wondering what to expect, here is your comprehensive guide to what happens during an eye exam and the 4 basic eye tests you can expect to undergo. 

Just because you have 20/20 vision doesn’t mean you should skip your yearly visits to your Calgary optometrist. In fact, checking your eyes is not just about your vision; it’s about your overall health. Checking in with your eye doctor annually is important because: 

• They can detect signs of serious disease at the back of your eye
• Yearly exams can improve your performance at school and at work 
• He/she can detect if you require a prescription update 
• They can prevent vision loss or other damage to your eye 

Our NE Calgary Optometrists Provide Comprehensive Services For Your Whole Family 

At our Calgary eye clinic, our qualified optometrists are able to perform children, senior, and adult eye exams to protect the vision of your entire family. In addition, we provide other services, including contact lens fittings, diabetic retinopathy, and cataract management, to meet all your specific eye health needs. 

Want to know more? 

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 4 Main Tests to Expect During an Eye Exam 

Your vision plays a key role in your daily life and as such, you must take the right steps to protect them. The best way to do this is by scheduling regular eye exams with your Calgary optometrist. 

During this exam, you can expect to undergo several basic tests, including the following: 

1. Visual Acuity Test 

This is a test that looks at your central vision and your optometrist will check how well you see the details of a letter or symbol from a certain distance. At the end of this, your visual acuity will be expressed as a fraction (eg. 20/20) 

If your vision isn’t 20/20, it may be because you: 

• Need eyeglasses or contact lenses
• Have sustained an injury to your eye 
• Have an eye infection 

At the end of this test, your eye doctor will discuss the results and may recommend any correction that is required. 

2. Refraction Test 

This test involves a series of lens choices through which you will view a reading chart. By adjusting the focus of the chart image on your retina, your optometrist will determine what prescription you require in your glasses. Your eye doctor will also use this test to check: 

• How well your eyes work together
• The health of your eyes
• If you have any deterioration in your vision 
• Your focusing ability 

It’s important to check how well your eyes work together because this is key to performing day-to-day tasks, and will significantly affect your performance at school or work. 

3. Retinoscopy 

Are you experiencing any problems with your vision? Then you may have a refractive error. To determine if this is the case, your optometrist will perform a retinoscopy during the comprehensive eye exam. The examination of your retina will determine if you have any conditions, such as: 

• Nearsightedness
• Farsightedness
• Astigmatism 

4. Eye Pressure Measurement 

An intraocular pressure test measures the force created by the fluid in your eyes. If your optometrist notices that you have an abnormal level of eye pressure, this could be an indication of glaucoma. 

During this test, a machine will send a quick puff of air into your eye. Due to the sudden force, your eye will react by closing. Based on this reaction, your eye pressure will be determined. 

Protect Your Vision With Regular Eye Exams

To find out more about how our comprehensive eye exams can help protect your vision and prevent any vision loss, visit us at 2525 36 St NE, Unit 157 Calgary, Alberta, T1Y 5T4. Alternatively, you can contact our optometrists at 403-280-7518 or book an appointment online.