The following are some important checks which form part of a normal eye examination.

History and symptoms

Your optometrist will ask detailed questions about your eyesight, lifestyle, health and any previous eye problems you or family members may have had. You should bring a list of any medication you take, along with your glasses if you use them, or a previous glasses prescription.

Eye examination

Your optometrist will check what you can see – close up and in the distance – usually using special charts of symbols or letters. This may be with or without your glasses. They will then work out whether you need glasses or a change of prescription with a series of tests using different lenses. This will also involve simple questions and you should try to answer these as accurately and honestly as you can. There are no right or wrong answers, so don’t worry. For those who are unable to answer these questions, there are other ways of working out a glasses prescription. This is particularly useful for young children or those with learning difficulties or special educational needs.

Your optometrist will also carry out tests on your eye muscles to check how your eyes are working together.

Eye health check

Your optometrist will examine the inside and outside of your eyes. They will tell you if there are any signs of disease or injury. Occasionally your optometrist will need to put drops in your eyes to get a better view of the back of your eye but they will explain this before doing so. All adult eye examinations include optomap imaging. 

Further checks

Sometimes it may be necessary to check your peripheral (or side) vision using a special instrument. This tests for certain conditions of the eyes or the visual parts of your brain. You may also need an eye-pressure test, which is one of the procedures used to detect glaucoma.

Advice

There will be time to talk through the results of your eye examination and ask questions. Your optometrist will advise you if you need glasses and make recommendations about the type. They will also tell you if they find any problems with your eyes. If there is something which needs further medical checks, the optometrist will write to your doctor or the eye hospital for you. They will give you a written statement of your results which includes your glasses prescription if you need one. They will also tell you how often you should go for an eye examination. The optometrist is also someone who can tell you about how to keep your eyes healthy.

So don’t forget the importance of an eye examination for you and your family. Your optometrist can do the following.

• Pick up any signs of eye disease; this is usually easier to deal with if found early.
• Check your sight and make it clearer or more comfortable to see.
• Check for signs of underlying general health conditions that sometimes show in the eyes.
• Answer questions and give advice about your eye health and vision.
• Keep you informed about new products or services that can help you.