Many people do not understand the importance of having an eye examination. This article explains the various tests that may be performed during a consultation with your eye care provider. It shows the importance of having your eyes checked regularly, especially for contact lens wearers.

An eye examination should be performed every 12 to 24 months. This allows your prescription to be updated and for potential eye related diseases to be diagnosed. These diseases are often painless which makes early diagnosis important.

Some of the procedures that may be performed include:

1. Cover test: Binocular vision problems can be diagnosed as this test is used to determine how well your eyes work together.
2. Tonometry: A non-contact tonometer measures your eye pressures and is used as a screening for glaucoma. High pressures may indicate this disease. If left untreated this can lead to blindness.
3. Visual field screening: This tests for blind spots in your vision and can be used to determine the effects of glaucoma, retinal changes and damage to your optic nerve pathways.
4. Autorefractor: An autorefractor evaluates how an image is focused on your retina and determines your prescription automatically and objectively.
5. Retinoscopy: A handheld device is used by your eye care provider to determine your prescription in a similar manner to the autorefractor.
6. Refraction: A phoropter or trial frame is placed in front of your eyes. You will be shown a series of lenses to determine your final prescription.
7. Ophthalmoscopy: This handheld device is used to view your retina. The health of the retina can be assessed and various diseases diagnosed.

Contact lens wearers generally need further assessment. A slitlamp helps to determine the health of the cornea and the condition of the lids. A kerotometer is used to measure the curvature of the cornea and ensure a well fitted contact lens.

The link below displays a Contact Lens Guide and provides useful information for successful contact lens wear.