Eye Exams

 

The Elements of a Comprehensive Eye Health Exam and Vision Analysis

The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends the following information be gathered and tests be performed during a comprehensive eye examination:

Chief Complaint: assessment of the patient's reason for getting an eye exam

General Physical Health History: complete health history to screen for physical conditions and medications that may affect eyesight

General Ocular Health History: complete eye health history including family history of eye conditions, disease, or medication

External and Internal Eye Health Evaluation: examination for the signs of eye disorders, including cataracts and other eye disorders

Current Prescription Analysis: evaluation of current lens prescription, if applicable

Visual Acuity: test for the eyes' ability to see sharply and clearly at all distances

Refraction: test for the eyes' ability to focus light rays properly on the retina at distances and close by

Tonometry: test to measure internal fluid pressure of the eye (increased pressure may be an early sign of glaucoma)

Visual Coordination: check for external eye muscle balance and coordination

Accommodative Ability: test of the eyes' ability to change focus from distance to near

An exam may also include tests for color vision and depth perception, visual fields, and other vision skills, as needed.

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