Comprehensive Eye Exam Explained

5. Refraction at Distance

• This is what we optometrists are most well known for. Which is better, one or two? Using this simple forced choice method, we can determine or update your prescription for glasses or contact lenses to help you see the clearest you can possibly see. And don’t worry if both choices look the same, typically that means that we are nearing the final prescription!

6. Tear Film/Dry Eye Assessment

• Assessing the dryness of the eye typically involves instilling an orange-yellow dye into the eyes. This dye, called sodium fluorscein, stains the tear film painlessly and usually only lasts a couple of minutes. However, it allows us to not only evaluate how quickly the tears evaporate, but also see irritation on the front surface of the eyes, the composition of the tear film and even how quickly tears are replenished after each blink! Dry Eye assessments are done in the slit lamp, a giant “microscope” used to magnify the structures of the eyes and surrounding tissue.

7. Tonometry

• Tonometry is the technical term for “checking eye pressure”. There are two ways of checking the eye pressure, either through the “air puff” test (a gentle puff of air hits the eye, and pressure is measured by how quickly the air rebounds and hits the sensor) or through a blue light test that touches the tear film of the eye to measure the pressure. Both procedures are quick and painless, although some may find them a little nerve wracking. Checking the eye pressure is important in ruling out certain diseases or trauma and is a factor in glaucoma.

8. Assessment of the Anterior Segment of the Eyes and Surrounding Tissue

• When we evaluate the anterior segment, or the front surface of the eye, we check not only the eye but also the surrounding structures. An assessment of the eyelids and eyelashes is completed in addition to the anterior structures of the eye such as the cornea, the sclera, iris and conjunctiva. This is typically done in the slit lamp, a medical instrument used to magnify these structures allowing for greater clarity.

9. Dilated Fundus Examination – Assessment of the Posterior Segment of the Eye

• A dilated fundus examination pharmacologically relaxes the pupil of the eyes, opening it up temporarily to allow us to get a comprehensive detailed view of the posterior segment of the eye, or the ‘back’ of the eye. That makes it possible to diagnose retinal holes/tears/detachments, diseases such as macular degeneration and glaucoma, and even conditions like cataracts. Without these eye drops, the pupil naturally constricts with light, minimizing the amount that we can see inside the eye. These eye drops are typically have minimal to no stinging, and may cause some temporary blurriness to your near vision such as reading, computer work, or your looking at your phone. It may also cause things to be brighter than normal. The drops lasts a couple of hours before wearing off, restoring your vision to normal, before instillation. For more information about dilation, click here.

10. Detailed Explanation of Diagnoses and Results

• We are here to make sure we answer every one of your questions and explain everything to you in a easy to understand manner. We want you to leave feeling informed, satisfied, and comfortable to leave your eye care in our capable hands. Remember there are no bad questions!

11. Retinal Fundus Photography of the Eyes

• We take pictures of almost everyone’s eyes. Why? Because it allows us to maintain a photographic database of everyone’s eyes to better compare changes over a number of years. Our doctors can describe all they want in your file, but a picture truly is worth a thousand words!

Tests done as necessary:

1. Colour Vision Assessment

• Did you know colour blindness is passed on through your genes? And the vast majority of colour blindness are male, with a very small percentage female? We typically test colour blindness on children for their first eye examination, and as needed with adults. Unfortunately, there’s no ‘cure’ for colour blindness.

2. Stereo (3D) Vision Assessment

• Stereopsis or 3D vision develops when you are a child up to your teenage years. It is allows for binocular (both eyes) depth perception, making it easier to assess distances for driving in the future, for example. In order for stereopsis to develop, both eyes need to be working together as a team throughout the crucial development years. We can determine how well your child’s eyes are working together, and how to improve it if necessary.

3. Initial Binocular Vision Assessment

• Binocular, or both eyes, assessment tests how well your eyes are working together as a team. This is extremely important for children to allow them to develop their 3D vision. It also plays an important role in terms of learning, reading, and can even lead to underdeveloped vision in children. In adults, this is a common problem with prolonged computer and near work, leading to eye fatigue, eye strain and even headaches.

4. Refraction at Near

• This is similar to refraction at distance, except it’s main purpose is to check for prescriptions at near. This allows for an ideal prescription for reading glasses, or computer glasses to relieve any eye strain or blurriness up close.

Regular eye checks can identify and prevent major complications in the future. Book an Eye Exam with Eye Doctor & Optometrist serving across Markham, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Stouffville, Aurora, Newmarket, North York, and Scarborough. Call (905) 604-6856 for more inquiries.

Know More About Dr. Vick Chan, OD - Eye Doctor & Optometrist providing Eye Exam in Markham, Richmond Hill, Ontario

Optometry Services by Markham’s Eye Doctor/ Optometrist include:

• Eye Exam/ Eye Test

• Contact Lenses

• Emergency Eye Care

• Laser Vision Co-Management

• Retinal Photography

• Visual Field Services

• Orthokeratology Contact Lenses

Contact Chan Optometry - Professional Optometrists in Markham, Richmond Hill