Understanding the Basics of an Eye Exam

by | Aug 29, 2012 | Health

An eye exam is an essential aspect when it comes to ensuring that you take good care of your eyes. For most people, knowing when to take an eye test is not always easy. Others wait till they detect a problem to get medical attention. It is good to note that an eye exam, Bremerton, when taken early enough, can help prevent serious consequences in the future. So, what are some of the basics involved in this all-important test?

The first thing involves understanding when to take an eye test. For babies, the first check-up should be at around six months. This is early enough to detect any defects that need attention. If the child is given a clean bill of health, the next visit to the optometrist should be at age three. However, if there are any risks detected, you may be required to bring your child for regular eye exams. Your optometrist is in the best position to advise on the regularity of the eye exam.

For adults who are risk-free, eye exams after every two years will do. If you do wear glasses or contact lenses, you might want to have an annual eye exam, Bremerton in order to get your prescription renewed and to check for any progress. If you have diabetes, hypertension, or a family history of eye disease, you might be required to make more regular visits to the optometrist.

Adults over 60 should have annual eye exams because when one reaches this age, they become more vulnerable to ocular disease. When left unchecked, vision can rapidly deteriorate after this age.

So, what are some of the steps involved in an eye exam? Your optometrist will start by taking your medical history, especially if this is your first visit. If you have had prior visits, they will only need to check your medical records. The next step is the general exam where the doctor will check for any eye problems. You will be required to read a chart from a distance and maybe follow an object with your eyes. This is all aimed at checking the muscles that control your eyes.

The glaucoma test is another step involved in the eye exam, Bremerton. For this test, the optometrist will puff air at your eye. By doing so, he/she will be able to determine what kind of pressure is in your eyes. This procedure may feel uncomfortable but it is less invasive as compared to using other methods that might require anesthetic drops.

When you go for your eye exam, you should anticipate the retinal exam. For this test, your doctor will dilate your pupils using special eye drops. This allows them to examine your retina, optical disk, and ocular blood vessels.

Latest Articles

Categories

Archives