What to Expect at Your Eye Exam

Preliminary Testing

Before you go to the eye exam room, a technician will typically use an autorefractor to get an estimate of your prescription and measure the curvature of your cornea (the clear outer surface of the front of the eye). They will also gently and non-invasively measure the pressure inside your eye or your intraocular pressure (also called IOP). No air puff required! We will also read any current glasses you bring with you to confirm the prescription that you are currently wearing.

History

Once you reach the eye exam room, the doctor of optometry will review your history including current medications as many medications may affect your eye health and vision. You will discuss any personal or family history of eye health issues.

Visual Testing

You will have your visual acuity measured typically by reading a chart at distance and near. The optometrist may then want to do some preliminary eye testing to evaluate depth perception, color vision, eye muscle movements, peripheral or side vision, and the way your pupils respond to light.

Refraction

Most patients looking for a glasses or contact lens prescription will have a refraction performed. Using a specialized instrument called a phoropter, the doctor may use a handheld device to measure your prescription and may then ask the patient questions to further refine the prescription to give the clearest and most comfortable vision. Sometimes drops are used that temporarily relax a patients focusing system when they are having trouble with this eye care testing.

Eye Health Assessment

To properly assess the health of the eye and surrounding tissues, the doctor uses a wide variety of microscopes, lenses, and digital technology. Dilating drops are often used to temporarily widen the pupil for better views inside the eye to help detect retinal or systemic disease.