When visiting our
Ellicott City optometrist for an eye exam, you will be greeted by our friendly staff who explains that there will be several tests as part of your comprehensive eye exam. First, we will ask you about your medical history and any vision problems you may be experiencing. Next, your “visual acuity” (how clearly you can see) is measured, which helps determine your prescription for glasses. Your eye pressure will also be measured, often using eye drops to enlarge your pupils. After the various tests are performed, our
Ellicott City optometrist will discuss the results of your exam, answers any questions you have about your eyes, then together you will decide your best plan of treatment, if any is needed.
Vision Assessments Ellicott City
Several different tests will be performed by our
Ellicott City optometrist, all designed to evaluate your vision, and to examine the appearance and function of every part of your eye. An eye muscle test examines the muscles that control eye movement, looking for weakness, poor coordination, or poor control. Our doctor watches your eye movements as you follow a moving object with your eyes, such as a light or pen. The refraction assessment helps determine a lens prescription that will give you the sharpest, clearest vision. With this test, light waves are bent as they pass through your cornea and lens. If light rays don't focus perfectly on the back of your eye, you have "refractive error." Having refractive error can mean you need some form of correction, such as glasses, contact lenses or refractive surgery, so you can see as clearly as possible.
The visual field test determines whether you have difficulty seeing in any areas of your overall field of vision, and there are several different types of visual field tests that we will explain to you. Your visual field is the total range of what you can see to the sides, without moving your eyes. If you have difficulty distinguishing certain colors, our
Ellicott City optometrist will also screen your vision for a color deficiency. A slit-lamp examination illuminates and magnifies the front of your eyes with an intense line of light to examine your cornea, eyelids, iris, lashes, lens, and fluid chamber, which will show any damaged cells. The retinal exam allows us to evaluate the back of your eye and a glaucoma screening is also part of your complete eye exam. Depending on your age, medical history, and risk of developing eye disease, you may need more specialized tests as part of your eye exam at Quality Optical of Columbia.
By Quality Optical
June 24, 2014
