When it comes to the frequency of eye exams, the general rule is once a year if you’re at risk. Being at risk means some factors that may affect your eye health apply to you. For instance, having a family history of eye disorders and wearing contact lenses may mean your eyes and vision are at risk. For this reason, you must have your eye exams more frequently than those at low risk. 

Eye exams can detect and prevent eye diseases. But how exactly can they do that? 

How Eye Exams Detect and Prevent Eye Diseases

Eye exams help catch a possible or existing problem. This may prevent diseases or at least stop them from getting worse. These tests check your eye health, including the blood vessels and muscles, as well as your vision. Initially, the doctor will ask you about your symptoms and family history. Afterward, he or she will perform different tests, such as the following:

Visual Acuity Test

A visual acuity exam checks how sharp your vision is from a distance. In this test, the doctor will ask you to cover one eye and read the letters in a chart called a Snellen chart. 

If you have 20/20 vision, that means what you see at 20 feet is also what a person with normal vision sees at 20 feet. Now, let’s say you have 20/40 vision. That means what you see at 20 feet is what a person with normal vision can see at 40 feet. 

Preliminary Exams of Eye Health And Visual Function

After checking your visual acuity, the doctor may then check these factors: 

• How your eyes respond to light

• Depth perception, in case you have trouble perceiving distance

• Visual field, where the doctor holds up an object and moves it from one side of your face to another. You need to follow the object with your eyes but are not allowed to move your head. 

• Color vision, where the doctor shows you a picture with colored dots. Hidden in those dots are numbers in different colors. If you have a color deficiency, you might not be able to see the numbers. 

Refractive Status Checks

The doctor will also check for refractive errors, such as nearsightedness and farsightedness, using computerized equipment. 

Tests to Check Eye Abilities

Some exams check the eyes’ ability to move, work together, and focus. 

Eye Health Tests

Additional tests may also be necessary when the initial examination shows significant findings. For instance, if you seem to have eye problems, the doctor may do an ophthalmoscopy. In this test, your pupils will be dilated with special eye drops. Afterward, the doctor will use a handheld instrument to check your cornea, retina, lens, optic nerve, and surrounding blood vessels. This can pinpoint where the problem is coming from. 

Get Your Eyes Checked Today

Are you having eye or vision problems? Perhaps it’s time for you to have your eyes checked. Visit Vision Quest Optical at our office in Midland or Bay City, Michigan. You can also call (989) 835-2020 or (989) 778-1414 to book an appointment today.