There are a number of different types of regular eye tests you can have performed. The first type, known as a slit lamp exam, examines the front part of the eye. Using an intense line of light, it allows the doctor to examine the eye’s lashes, iris, lens, and fluid chamber between the iris and cornea. The slit lamp uses a fluorescein dye to reveal any damaged cells or tissues. It is fairly easy to clean the dye off of the eye because tears wash it off in a short period of time.
Exam results
The environment of an eye exam can have a profound effect on exam results. For example, an exam conducted in daylight is not as accurate as one performed in a dim room. The size of the pupil also plays a crucial role. While many people see clearly with dilated pupils in bright lighting, others may experience different visual results with a contracted pupil. The same holds true for glaucoma. The results of an eye exam may determine whether or not you will need to schedule follow-up appointments.
Another test of your vision is the visual acuity test. The exam technician will ask you to read various symbols, which get smaller as you move down the chart. Your doctor will also measure your peripheral vision by allowing you to see things up to 40 feet away. This test will also give you an idea of whether or not you need a correction to help you see better. Exam results for regular eye tests
Signs of eye disease
While it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact causes of eye problems, regular exams can be an effective way to detect diseases. Inflammation and abnormalities in the eyes are indicators of autoimmune disorders like lupus, and a clogged artery can indicate leukemia. Vision changes can also signal tumors in the brain. An ophthalmologist can also order imaging tests or refer you to your primary care physician if necessary.
A slit lamp test evaluates the eye’s retina and optic nerve. A computerized low-power imaging scanning system acquires thousands of images in a matter of seconds. The images can be used to diagnose various eye diseases and follow them over time. Optical coherence tomography can also detect signs of cataracts and glaucoma. The doctor will usually prescribe corrective glasses or contact lenses if necessary.
Signs of brain tumors
The eye can reveal a lot about the state of your brain, including the presence of a brain tumour. If you have recently noticed an eyeball bulging forward, you may have a brain tumour. Your eye care provider can help you detect a brain tumour by checking for changes in your visual field or the size of your pupil. If you have experienced any of these symptoms in the past few months, your doctor may want to conduct an MRI to confirm the diagnosis.
Other signs of a brain tumour include loss of vision, problems with balance and coordination, and loss of sensation. You may also experience changes in your senses, including hearing and smell. You may also lose part of your field of vision, experience blurred or double vision, or feel as if objects are suddenly on one side of your body. A regular eye examination will help you determine whether you have a tumour that is affecting your vision and should be scheduled as soon as possible.
Signs of diabetes
Your optician is trained to notice signs of diabetes during your general eye examination. He or she will look for fluids or small drops of blood in the retina, the part of the eye responsible for forming visual images. If they notice fluids or drops of blood in the retina, they will likely advise you to have more serious tests to confirm your diabetes diagnosis. In some cases, the condition may be too early for the optician to notice, but a positive test is a good indicator that it is time for you to schedule a thorough eye exam.
A regular eye exam is an important part of a comprehensive diabetes management plan. The eye is a vital organ, and any changes in it can have a dramatic impact on your vision. Diabetic retinopathy, caused by high sugar levels in the blood, causes damage to the tiny blood vessels in the retina. This damages the retina’s natural ability to see, causing blurred vision, and can eventually result in total blindness. Diabetics should see their eye doctor at least once a year for regular checkups and vision monitoring.
Signs of high blood pressure
If you suspect that you have high blood pressure, a regular eye exam may be the first step. This simple test can check for damage to the small blood vessels in the back of the eye. While blood pressure affects every organ in the body, its most obvious symptom is damage to the eye. High blood pressure may also cause your eye to become silvery in color and produce wavy blood vessels. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to treat high blood pressure, including a change in lifestyle.
Regular eye tests for signs of high blood pressure can help detect this condition before it becomes an actual problem. High blood pressure is a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke. One in five Americans has high blood pressure and doesn’t even know it. For many, an eye exam is the first time they learn that they have high blood pressure. In fact, nearly two-thirds of people who visit an optometrist have elevated blood pressure, and another 66.7 percent have no idea that they have it.
