image of a phroptor in front of a person

What Happens in an Eye Examination

Preliminary Workup by a Technician

  • Stereo vision testing
  • Color vision screening
  • Corneal curvature measurement
  • Auto-refraction to estimate prescription
  • Measure of eye pressure to screen for glaucoma
  • Retinal photography to document current eye status for future referrence
  • Review of personal eye history
  • Review of personal medical history
  • Review of family eye history
  • Review of family medical history
  • Establish any symptoms creating a cause for the examination
  • Verifying the goal of the visit

Visual Acuity and Refraction

  • Visual acuity in each eye
  • Refraction: Using a device called a phoropter, your eyeglass prescription will be determined.

Eye Health Evaluation

  • The doctor will evaluate the internal and external health of the eye;
  • Lids and lashes
  • Cornea
  • Iris
  • Lens inside the eye
  • Vitreous fluid that fills the eye
  • Retina
  • Optic nerve
  • Pupil function
  • Function of the muscles around the eye
  • Visual Field Evaluation

Eye Alignment

Each eye works independently, but hopefully the two eyes “team” and work together. The doctor will evaluate the visual system for multiple aspects of eye teaming, looking for strabismus, amblyopia, or m0tor/tracking problems.

Review of Your Examination Results

The doctor will determine if the visual problems, advise you of the optical, contact lens, or medical treatments necessary for your specific situation.