Eye Test: Definition, Necessity, Types and Benefits

What is the Benefit of an Eye Test?

The benefits of an eye test are the detection of eye diseases, monitoring general eye health and vision correction. An eye exam is beneficial as it can aid in identifying any signs of serious eye conditions or eye problems early. This can be helpful for minimising damage and preventing the development of further complications.

1. Visual Acuity Test

A visual acuity test involves a Snellen chart or a Logmar chart, and helps to measure how clear your vision is by getting you to read letters from a chart at a certain distance. During a visual acuity test, the letters decrease in size as you read down each row, which helps the optometrist evaluate how well you can read differing sizes of letters from a certain distance.

2. Refraction Assessment

A refraction assessment helps determine the required strength for prescription glasses which usually involves either a phoropter or refractor. During a refraction assessment, the optometrist may have you look through the device while looking at a chart or image. While this is taking place, the optometrist will change the lenses, which will help them decide on the type of prescription you require.

3. Pupil Function Test

A pupil function test is used to assess the physical condition of your pupils which may involve shining a light on each of your pupils to test if they constrict in response to light and will record the size and shape while this takes place. This assists the optometrist with evaluating the health of your brain, optic nerve and retina.

4. Visual Field Test

A visual field test is used to evaluate how well you can see through each eye individually and helps the optometrist assess how well you can see around you while looking straight ahead, also known as your peripheral vision. The process typically involves being positioned in front of a machine that shows flashing lights of differing intensities which you record your responses to by clicking a button. Each patient's eye will be tested separately with the opposite eye covered by an eye patch.

5. Eye Movement Test

An eye movement test may involve getting you to move your eyes in different directions to evaluate the movement of ocular muscles. This can help them to see if there are any abnormalities with movement that can contribute to uncontrolled eye movements.

6. Slit-Lamp Examination

A slit-lamp examination assists optometrists with examining all parts of the eye and further inside the eye using a machine. Before a slit-lamp examination, the optometrist may need to dilate your pupils to look closer at the back of the eye.

7. Retinal Examination (ophthalmoscopy or funduscopy)

A retinal examination (ophthalmoscopy or funduscopy) allows the optometrist to check the back of your eye which may include assessing the condition of the retina, optic disk and macula. The process typically involves dilating the pupils and examining the eye with a bright light and microscopic tool.

8. Tonometry

A tonometry test is used to measure the pressure of the eye. During this test, a machine will blow small puffs of air into your eyes. The multiple types of this test are non-contact tonometry (NCT), applanation tonometry and rebound tonometry. At Oscar Wylee, our qualified optometrists use the NCT method to test your intraocular eye pressure, which is part of the pretesting routine and is built into the autorefractor.

9. Colour Blindness Test

A colour blindness test typically uses a colour plate test. This test uses images made up of different coloured dots with a number in the middle that a patient is asked to identify. There are different colour plates made up of certain colours in order to identify different types of colour blindness.

10. Pachymetry

A pachymetry test is used to measure the thickness of the cornea which is important for identifying signs of glaucoma. The process of pachymetry may involve using a probing tool or may be done without contact, using a pretesting machine.

11. Visual Field Test

A visual field test is used to evaluate how well you can see through each eye individually. The process typically involves being positioned in front of a machine that shows flashing lights of differing intensities which you record your responses to by clicking a button. Each patient's eye will be tested separately with the opposite eye covered by an eye patch.

What are the Challenges of Eye Tests?

There are very few challenges involved with eye tests. Most eye tests conducted by an optometrist are non-invasive, quick and efficient, such as a refraction test or visual acuity test. Some eye tests such as a dilated pupil exam, are more invasive but generally have limited potential for complications. It is important to talk to your eye care professional about any eye tests they will be conducting so you feel comfortable and reassured.

How Often Should You Get an Eye Test?

It is recommended to get an eye test once every 2-3 years for most age groups unless advised otherwise by your optometrist. However, for older patients, it may be advisable to get an eye test once every year.

How Long Does an Eye Test Typically Last?

Eye tests typically last 20-30 minutes, however, this may change if the optometrist chooses to perform any additional tests. At Oscar Wylee, we allocate approximately 20 minutes for each eye test. However, this time frame can vary, especially for those who have more complex eye conditions that require more extensive testing.

How Can Eye Tests Detect Potential Eye Diseases?

Eye tests can detect potential eye diseases as different eye tests allow the optometrist to examine the different regions of the eye. Symptoms of potential eye diseases such as abnormal eye movements, increased intraocular pressure, inflammation and injury and other symptoms can be found through a comprehensive eye exam.

How Should You Prepare for an Eye Examination?

To prepare for an eye examination, you can try not straining the eyes, making note of your symptoms and concerns, bringing your most recent glasses prescription and bringing your eyeglasses. The steps to prepare for an eye examination are listed below.

• Do not strain your eyes: It is advisable to make sure you get enough rest the night before your eye examination as lack of sleep may affect your answering ability during certain tests. Avoid late-night use of devices for optimal eye-focusing ability during the eye exam.
• Make note of your symptoms and concerns: It can be helpful to make a note of your symptoms and concerns to inform your optometrist. It is common to forget some important details when going through the examination. Therefore it is important to have a list prepared beforehand.
• Bring your most recent glasses prescription: If you had your eyes previously tested by a different optometrist, you may need to bring that prescription with you so the optometrist has more information about your past vision condition.
• Bring your eyeglasses: You may need to bring your eyeglasses with you to your appointment so the optometrist has more information about your prescription requirements. If your prescription does not require any adjustments, They may also check the condition of your frames to make sure they are optimal for continued use.
• Bring an eligible Medicare card: Bring your Medicare card to the appointment so the staff can handle bulk billing claims for you with ease.

What are the Different Types of Eye Doctors?

The different types of eye doctors or ophthalmologists are categorised by what area of eye care they specialise in, such as a glaucoma specialist. In Australia, an eye doctor refers to an ophthalmologist, who is a medical doctor who has a specialisation in eye care. A person will see an ophthalmologist for more advanced eye care that goes beyond the scope of what an optometrist can provide. There are different subspecialties or types of ophthalmologists or eye doctors, including glaucoma specialists and strabismus specialists, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Other types of eye care professionals include optometrists, who are the primary point of care for optometry issues and optical dispensers, who are responsible for fitting and dispensing glasses.

What Follow-Up Steps Might be Recommended After an Eye Test?

The follow-up steps that may be recommended after an eye test are dependent upon the individual and their eye care needs. If a person has a condition such as diabetic retinopathy, they may be asked to come for a follow-up eye test more regularly as this condition requires close monitoring. A person may also have to follow up for certain eye test results if they are not received on the day of the test. You may also have to follow up for prescription glasses after your eye test. An optical dispenser will be able to look at your prescription, measure your face and order your prescription glasses, but these may take a few weeks to make and ship, requiring you to pick them up at a later date.

What's the Difference Between an Optometrist and an Ophthalmologist?

The main difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist is their level of expertise and scope of practice. An optometrist is a healthcare professional who provides primary eye care such as eye tests, and prescription updates as well as diagnosing and treating common eye problems. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who has a specialisation in eye care. Ophthalmologists can diagnose and provide advanced care for eye conditions such as glaucoma. Ophthalmologists can also perform eye surgery. An optometrist can recommend a patient to an ophthalmologist if they identify an eye issue that needs advanced or specialised care. In summary, the main difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist is their qualification and the eye care services they are qualified to perform.