A Guide To Wearing Glasses

Types of Eye Exams Performed By An Optometrist

They say the eyes are the windows to your soul, but the eyes are also essential in the human body because you use them to see virtually everything. Since the eyes are very sensitive, it is important to schedule regular visits to an optometrist to have them checked. Here are some of the standard tests you can expect on your trip to an optometrist.

Keratometry Test

This test is used to measure the shape of your cornea. The shape of your cornea affects your vision of light. If your cornea has steep curves, you probably have a condition called astigmatism. The keratometry test is mainly used to check for astigmatism. During the test, your optometrist will ask you to gaze into a machine and keeps adjusting it until it aligns with your eyes. The measurements recorded on this machine indicate the shape of your cornea.

Peripheral Vision Test

The eyes cannot only focus on what is directly in front, but they can also see objects on the sides. A peripheral vision test is used to determine the size of your visual field. Several tests may be performed during a peripheral vision test. The automated perimetry is where you peer through a special machine and press a button each time you see a flash of light in your peripheral vision. The tangent screen exam is where you will be asked to stare at the centre of a screen. Your doctor will move objects around your peripheral vision to test whether you can see them. The visual confrontation test is where the doctors sit across you and move their hand to check your peripheral vision.

Colour Vision Test

If you are having trouble distinguishing between intermingled colours, you have a colour-blind problem. During this test, the doctor will present different numbered charts before you. These numbered charts are multicoloured and in dotted form, making it tricky for you to identify numbers accurately. If you can read through the hidden figures correctly, you do not have colour blindness.

Failing vision is associated with old age, but there are many eye disorders you are likely to face that may not be linked to your age. It is recommendable to visit your optometrist at least once a year. An optometrist will perform several tests to determine the condition of your eyes. While this may not be a conclusive list, it comprises some of the primary tests you can expect when you visit an eye doctor.