What Happens in an Eye Exam?
At Eye Shadez, we do our best to ensure your eye receives the best care. Our doctor understands every client comes with their own story. He ensures to do his best to assist you with whatever issues you may be experiencing. We would like to answer some FAQ’s before you make your visit.
How long is an Eye Exam?
An eye exam can be as short as 5 minutes, or even be as long as 30 min. Depending on the circumstances, the length of the exam will vary, however a typical eye exam will last about 15 minutes.
What type of Exam should you get?
Every patient will have their own circumstances. Our doctor will closely evaluate your specific condition and judge what test you should receive. A vision examination may be a result of a number of tests.
Patient Rx:
Visual Acuity Test: Measures the smallest letter the patient can read on a Snellen chart.
Keratometry: Calculates the curvature of the cornea to verify if there are any signs of astigmatism.
Cover Test: By covering one eye, the other eye is tested for movement and precession to verify a lazy eye.
Ocular Movement Test: Determines the response to light and other triggers of eye movement.
Refraction Test: Calculates the refraction of the lens for Prescription glasses/ Contact lenses.
Additional Tests
Colour Blindness Test: Diagnoses any colour vision disorder through screening and quarantine tests.
Pupil Measurement Test: Measures the size of the pupil for the appropriate size of the contact lens.
Cornea Measurement Test: Measures the curvature of the front of the eye for the curvature of the of a contact lens.
Tear Film Test: This test may be done to ensure that the eye is not too dry for contact lenses.
Eye Surface & Fit Test: Ensures whether the contact lens has damaged the health of the patient’s eyes.
How often should you get an Eye Exam done?
The Canadian Association of Optometrists has a general guideline to identify any changes in your vision early and continuously ensure that your eyes remain in good health. The guideline of recommendations is as follows:
- Infants and toddlers should undergo their first eye examination between the ages of 6 and 9 months.
- Preschool children should undergo at least one eye examination between the ages of 2 and 5 years.
- School children aged 6 to 19 years should undergo an eye examination annually.
- Adults aged 20 to 39 years should undergo an eye examination every 2 to 3 years.
- Adults aged 40 to 64 years should undergo an eye examination every 2 years.
- Adults aged 65 years or older should undergo an eye examination annually
Please Note: There are several factors that will influence the frequency of visits. Only the examining optometrist can accurately tell a patient when to return for another examination. This has simply been provided as a guideline.
What should you bring to an Eye Exam?
- A list of medications currently being taken by the patient. Even the medications that may seem irrelevant to your eyesight.
- Your health card.
- Your Insurance Card
What information will you need to provide in an Eye Exam?
Your doctor will ask you some questions about relating to your eye, but how do you know prepare? Some questions relating to your eye health that you may be asked will include:
- All eye problems you have experienced, past and present.
- Work-related environments that can potentially affect your eyes.
- Any previous major health conditions you or family have gone through. (Even if it may seem irrelevant to your vision)
- General understanding of your family’s eye history and related issues.
Where can you get an Eye Exam?
If the guideline above tells you you need an eye exam or your doctor has told you to get one, get your appointment today.