What Is the Typical Procedure for an Eye Exam?

If you have ever felt unsure about what happens during an eye exam, you are definitely not alone. A lot of people walk in wondering what to expect. The good news is that there is nothing intimidating about it. An eye exam is a simple, comfortable visit designed to check how clearly you see and make sure your eyes are healthy.

We will walk you through every part of the process step by step, so there are no surprises. When you know what is coming, it is easy to relax and actually enjoy taking care of your eyes.

Getting to Know You and Your Eyes

Every exam starts with a quick chat. We will ask about your health history, both personal and family, so we can understand what might affect your vision.

We will also talk about your lifestyle, the things you do every day. Do you work at a computer? Drive long distances? Play sports? Even your hobbies can help us tailor the exam and make recommendations that fit your life.

Checking Your Vision and Eye Function

Next, we will move to the testing part, but do not worry, it is quick and completely painless. Each test gives us important information about how your eyes work.

You will start by reading letters on a chart across the room to check your distance vision, then read a smaller card up close to see how well you focus. We will also test how your eyes work together, measure your depth perception, and check your side vision. You might notice a light shining into your eyes; that helps us see how your pupils respond.

Finding the Right Prescription

If you need glasses or contacts, this is where we fine-tune your prescription. You will look through a phoropter, that big lens machine that looks like a pair of space goggles, while we switch between lenses and ask, “Which is clearer, one or two?”

Your answers help us find the exact correction that makes your vision crisp and comfortable. This process is precise, and it ensures your new prescription feels just right for everyday life.

Checking the Health of Your Eyes

Now it is time to look at the overall health of your eyes, both inside and out.

We will use a bright light and microscope to examine the front of your eyes, checking your cornea, lens, and eyelids. We will also measure your eye pressure with a quick, gentle test that screens for glaucoma.

To see the back of your eyes, we may use dilating drops. They help your pupils open wider so we can see your retina and blood vessels clearly. These drops can make your vision blurry for a few hours and increase light sensitivity, so it is a good idea to bring sunglasses and arrange a ride home.

Discussing Your Results

Once the exam is done, we will review everything together. We will explain what we found in clear, simple terms, whether you need new glasses, contact lenses, or just some tips for eye comfort.

For more on an eye exam procedure, visit The Eye Studio. Our office is in Park Hills, Missouri. Call (573) 200-8732 to book an appointment today.