A complete eye exam starts with a detailed history of eye and general health problems, problems in other family members, and current medication history. The power of the spectacles being used is then checked and visual acuity is recorded with the correction being used – glasses or contact lenses. If the vision is found to be less than optimal refraction is performed and recorded to provide the optimal correction. The movements of the eye and the papillary reactions are then tested. A slit-lamp examination is performed to allow a study of the structures of the eye under adequate illumination and magnification, after which the intraocular pressure is measured. The pupils are then dilated to examine the retina and optic nerve in detail. All of these can be performed quickly and effectively by a well trained optometrist.

How long does an eye examination take?

This examination routine usually takes 10 to 15 minutes and dilatation of the pupils another 30 minutes. After dilatation, the ophthalmologist will complete the retinal evaluation and discuss the findings with you. The cause of problems if any and the requisite treatment measures are then discussed. The entire process should take an hour from start to finish.

When is an eye examination required?

Obviously, any change in vision or ocular comfort warrants an immediate eye exam, as does an injury to the eye. Other indications for an eye exam are abnormal head postures or squinting eyes in children, or a tendency to hold objects very close to the eyes. Even in asymptomatic children, a routine screening evaluation at the time of schooling can help detect conditions like a ‘lazy’ eye, small degrees of squint, color deficiency, and loss of 3-dimensional perception. In adults, a routine evaluation at the age of 40 years, allows the detection and correction of presbyopia, and monitors the intraocular pressure to ensure that glaucoma does not exist. Periodic eye exams after the age of 50 years at yearly intervals, or when systemic conditions like hypertension or diabetes are detected are necessary.

Are specialized tests done routinely during an eye exam?

Apart from the routine procedures described above, if problems are detected, then your ophthalmologist may decide to order special investigations and procedures, after discussing their need with you. These could include investigational procedures like visual field examination and photography of the optic nerve for glaucoma, corneal topography and pachymetry to determine your suitability for LASIK, ocular ultrasonography for evaluating the posterior segment of the eye, fundus fluorescein angiography for retinal disease, keratometry and eyeball length measurement for determining the power of the intraocular lens required during cataract surgery, or laser procedures using the Nd:YAG or Argon lasers for other eye problems.

Do these specialized tests and procedures require another visit or travel to another facility?

No. All of these can be performed during the primary visit, and can be done at Darshan Eye Clinic itself – as the center is fully equipped for total vision care.