Routine eye examinations are crucial for maintaining healthy, sharp vision. The following are some examples of what you can expect at an eye exam in Spartanburg:
Medical and Vision History – You may be asked about your general health, medications, your work environment, hobbies, etc. You will also be asked to describe any vision problems you are experiencing.
Tonometry – This test measures the fluid pressure in the eye and is an important test for detecting glaucoma.
Cover Test – A cover test is a simple procedure for determining how your eyes are working together.
Visual Acuity – Using the familiar wall chart and hand-held charts, your doctor will assess your ability to see small detail clearly at both near and far distances. You may sit behind a phoropter, an instrument containing a combination of lenses. Lens choices are systematically changed until clear focus is obtained.
Retinoscopy – Your doctor can determine the strength of your eyes using various lenses and the retinoscope. This is done without feedback from the patient and is an invaluable instrument for assessing the vision problems of children and others who may not be able to read an eye chart.
Refraction Test – Starting with the base prescription determined through retinoscopy, the doctor uses a refraction test to determine your precise prescription. This is the test that most people associate with an eye exam. Using a phoropter, the doctor will flip lenses with different optical powers or focal lengths in front of each eye and ask you which of the two lenses makes your vision clearer.
Slit-Lamp Examination – The slit lamp allows the doctor to examine the overall health of your eyes. By giving a magnified view of the eye structures, this examination allows the doctor to identify a wide range of potential eye diseases and conditions.
Dilation – Your pupils are dilated to allow the doctor to get a better view of the structures inside the eye when an abnormality is suspected.
After Your Exam – Once your exam is complete, the doctor will review your results. If there are any potential problems, a follow-up exam will be scheduled, or you may be referred to a specialist.
If your eyes are healthy and you just need a prescription, you can schedule a contact lens fitting or work with our optical team to find the right eyeglass frames for your prescription and personal style. Regular visits to your eye doctor are the best way to detect eye health problems and maintain good vision. To schedule an eye exam with one of our doctors in Spartanburg, contact Palmetto Eye & Laser Center at 864-583-6381 or palmettoeyeandlaser.com.
