Visual Acuity Exam

What it does: Checks the quality of your vision at different distances

Who should get it: Everyone

This is one of the basic tests that show up in routine eye examinations as well as comprehensive eye screening packages.

The doctor typically checks whether you need some correction to your vision by looking for blurriness at certain distances. It is most often performed before getting a prescription for glasses or to check for nearsightedness or farsightedness.

Tonometry

What it does: Checks intraocular pressure (the amount of pressure in your eye)

Who should get it: Anyone who may have a high chance of developing glaucoma, e.g. those with a family history of it

This is an important exam for those who may be at risk of developing glaucoma, especially as the impact from the condition cannot be reversed, only prevented or managed.

The earlier glaucoma is diagnosed, the better for the patient!

A high pressure of the eye is generally correlated with glaucoma.

Refraction Exam

What it does: Identifies lens prescriptions

Who should get it: Anyone who needs visual correction aids like eyeglasses or lenses

This is another extremely common test, typically given before you get new prescription glasses or contact lenses.

Individuals who have problems with their eyesight, whether due to blurriness in their vision or something like nearsightedness, will usually have this test done.

Slit-lamp Examination

What it does: Checks the front parts of the eye such as the lens, cornea, and iris

Who should get it: People suffering from various discomforts, including eye redness and strain

Slit-lamp examinations are tests done to see if there are abnormalities in the eye. This is a magnifying equipment with light. It allows the eye doctor to diagnose many different eye problems.  

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Red Reflex Examination

What it does: Checks if the red reflex produced by your eye is clear

Who should get it: Anyone with poor vision

This test is typically performed on infants and other young patients in order to check if they have ocular abnormalities. The doctor looks for signs like cloudy pupils or dim red reflex to see if the child has an eye problem that may need further treatment.

Retina & Optic Disc Evaluation

What it does: Checks the retina and optic disc for problems like glaucoma

Who should get it: Anyone whose doctor wants to rule out retina problems

This test is often done for people suspected of suffering conditions that adversely affect either the optic nerve or retina. It is commonly done for people with diabetes (as diabetes can cause bleeding in the retina) and floaters (as this can cause retina tear and detachment).  

Corneal Pachymetry

What it does: Checks the thickness of the cornea

Who should get it: Anyone who has or is at risk of corneal diseases

This exam is an important one for both diagnosing and managing various corneal ailments. This test is a must to determine if you are suitable for LASIK.

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Humphrey Visual Field

What it does: Checks your field of vision

Who should get it: Anyone who may be suffering reduced peripheral vision or who may be at risk for glaucoma

Glaucoma and a few other eye conditions often manifest early on through the loss of peripheral vision. This exam checks if a patient’s peripheral vision is abnormal or has blind spots, which can help diagnose these eye conditions.

Dry Eye Evaluation

What it does: Checks the lubrication of the eyes

Who should get it: Anyone suffering from dry, itchy, or even watery eyes

This exam is for people who have issues with eye lubrication, whether there’s too much of it or too little. It’s typically done when a person complains of dry eyes, a gritty sensation in the eyes, burning or red eyes.

Among other things, it can be used to diagnose dry eye syndrome, as well as abnormalities in the tear ducts and glands.

Ishihara Colour Vision Test

What it does: Checks for problems with colour vision

Who should get it: Anyone who may have abnormalities in their colour vision

Colour-blindness and other issues with colour can be checked with this test. It is commonly done for people applying for certain jobs and to assess fitness to drive.

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