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Top reasons for the importance of eye exams

Vision tests

A vision test assesses your visual clarity and determines if you require corrective lenses like glasses or contact lenses. Regular eye exams ensure that your prescription is up-to-date, leading to clear vision in your everyday life and improved quality of life.

Developmental Issues

Undiagnosed vision issues in children can adversely affect learning, social skills, and physical development. A regular kid eye exam is crucial for identifying and addressing eye issues. 

Eye coordination and function

Eye exams assess how well your eyes work together. They can identify vision problems like strabismus or amblyopia, affecting depth perception, focusing ability, and overall visual sharpness.

Eye health

Routine vision eye exams conducted by our optometrists can notice and track various eye conditions and diseases, such as glaucoma, cataracts, macular, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia. Early discovery can help prevent or slow down vision loss.

Systemic health

Eye exams can help discover the start of various systemic health issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, and autoimmune diseases. Our optometrists can warn about imminent risks, leading to further consultations with a physician for proper management.

Prevention of digital eye strain

Regular use of digital devices has made digital eye strain common in all age groups. Our optometrists and our opticians can give suggestions for maintaining eye comfort and minimizing the effects of blue light from digital screens to help prevent digital eye strain.

The Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO) advises that adults should undergo eye exams every two years to ensure optimal eye health.

What happens during a routine eye exam?

An eye test typically involves a series of exams and procedures conducted by one of our optometrists to evaluate your vision and eye health. Here are some of the most common vision tests:

Visual acuity test

This test involves reading letters or numbers from a Snellen chart placed at a specific distance to determine how well you can see at a distance.

Refraction test

In this test, your optometrist will use light to assess your cornea for conditions such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), presbyopia (age-related loss of near vision), or astigmatism (blurred vision).

Slit lamp test

This test involves resting your forehead and chin against a machine while your optometrist examines various areas of your eyes to rule out any eye diseases or issues.

Eye movement test

During this test, your optometrist will assess your eye muscles by making your eyes follow a moving object in different directions. It helps determine if you have any muscle weaknesses or problems with eye coordination.

Eye pressure test

Your eye doctor will measure the pressure inside your eyes using a tonometer to assess your risk for glaucoma, a condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure.

Other related tests

Some other tests that may be performed during an eye exam include visual field tests to assess your peripheral vision and a retinal exam to evaluate the health of your retina.

Preparing for an eye exam

Before an eye exam

Before your eye exam, compiling a list of all the medications you are currently taking is essential. You may also be asked to provide your medical history. This information will assist your optometrist in identifying any potential risk factors. And if you wear glasses, remember to take them with you for your eye exam. 

After the eye exam

Your optometrist will review the results and provide recommendations for any required treatments or follow-up appointments. In addition, our opticians will assist you in selecting suitable frames and lenses tailored to your vision needs.

If you think you need an eye exam, schedule an appointment with one of Eyes On’s optometrists today!