For Your Eyes Only: Comprehensive Eye Examinations - By: Brain Ferguson

When you start seeing double, reading the wrong words, or looking at things with blurred vision, then you need to visit your eye doctor and undergo a comprehensive eye examination. This is a series of tests that optometrists and ophthalmologists use to assess your visual acuity. The tests might include a tonometry test, a slit-lamp test, a cover test, and a visual acuity examination.

A tonometry test is basically done to check if you have glaucoma. The test involves the use of a small machine- the tonometry machine- to measure the eye's fluid pressure (Intraocular Pressure). If the pressure level is high, then you might be subjected to further testing. Different methods can be done to accomplish this: the applanation method, the electronic indentation method, or noncontact tonometry.

Another facet of a comprehensive eye examination is the slit-lamp test. The test is administered by using a biomicroscope that examines the eye for signs of infections and diseases. The biomicroscope magnifies and provides a 3-D image of the different parts of the eye: the cornea, iris, lens, and the vitreous gel. During a slit-lamp test, your ophthalmologist will use Fluorescein dye eye drops for easier detection of foreign bodies and infected areas. A slit-lamp test is often administered to detect diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, and conjunctivitis. This test will also help your ophthalmologist determine if your eye condition was caused by illnesses like diabetes and arthritis.

A cover test is also a part of the eye exam Portland ophthalmologists can provide. This helps determine if your eyes are properly aligned. A cover test is done in two parts: the unilateral cover test and the alternating cover test. In the first part, your other eye will be covered while you're focusing on a distant object. This is done to determine if you have strabismus — a condition characterized by cross-eyed or wall-eyed alignment. During the second part, the cover will be alternately placed on both your eyes.

The visual acuity test is one of the important tests that ophthalmologists and optometrists administer to their patients. This part of the eye exam Portland OR clinics offer is done to determine if you need vision correction. Standing from a distance of 20 feet, you will be asked to read characters off a chart - the Snellen chart. This will determine if you have perfect vision (20/20 vision) or if you need to wear glasses or contact lenses.

Undergoing an eye exam Portland OR clinics offer should be done to determine visual acuity. Doing this will help you prevent further eye damage. If potential problems can been detected, then your ophthalmologist will conduct additional tests and devise a treatment plan.

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