The eyes are the windows through which one sees the world. From the moment you open your eyes in the morning to the moment you go back to sleep, your eyes are constantly working. It’s important to get proper types of eye tests, because it’s essential to maintain good eye health no matter what.
Technology has been a boon to society, but on a downside, it has emerged as a real culprit when it comes to deteriorating eye health. As more and more people are indulging in using mobile phones and watching television from a near distance, eye health risk is increasing. If you are too experiencing issues with your eyes or the eyesight, an eye exam will come in handy.
Here are some basic tests that would help detect any issue that has been bothering your eye.
1. Visual Acuity Test
The most basic of all is the visual acuity test that is performed to measure the sharpness of you eyesight. In simpler words, the visual acuity test helps in identifying the distance from which you can maintain perfect vision. If you have been experiencing a vision issue lately, conducting a visual acuity test should be a priority.
This eye test is also safe for children, and it is essential to get through a visual acuity test as it should be a priority to detect eyesight issues in time. The basic type of visual acuity test includes a “Snellen” test.
This includes a chart of letters or symbols that you have to look at from different distances. The analysis, in turn, would help detect how good your eyesight is and from what distance you can see perfectly.
2. Retinoscopy
When the eye doctor gets to know that you require an eyeglass prescription, a retinoscopy test helps doctors identify the strength of the lens you require. Irrespective of you having near or farsightedness; a retinoscopy test will help detect the intensity of refraction error in the eyes. The doctor would need a retinoscope to conduct the eye exam.
A red light would be focused on the eye’s retina and, in turn, the light would reflect back. The light would be moved across the pupil, and the movement of the reflex would be noticed. Then, you would be made to wear a device called a phoropter, and a random lens would be placed in it.
A chart would be placed in front of you and you would be asked to look at the chart and identify with what lens you see the best. No matter what the procedure, getting yourself a perfect prescription is what really matters.
3. Color Blindness Test
Have you noticed that sometimes you can’t distinguish between intermingled colors? While you may find it mysterious, it is important to know that it is more of an eye defect than any magic. This condition is known as “color blindness.” And one of the simplest tests is conducted to detect this abnormality that does not demand much effort.
In this eye test, different numbered charts would be provided to you that may appear to be illusionary. These numbers are in dotted form and multicolored, which would make it tricky for you to recognize the number.
If you are able to read through hidden numbers perfectly, it is likely you are not colorblind. If you are wondering what this particular test is called, it would be informative to know that it is the “Ishihara Color Vision Test.”
4. Autorefractors And Aberrometers
This is a great technological invention that has made conducting an eye exam an easy task. It uses a computerized system to know what eyeglass prescription would suit you best. It is a revolution in the field of eye exams that have automated the process and has made it easier and convenient.
An autorefractor is an electronic device that detects the refraction error automatically. Whereas an aberrometer is a device that measures distortions and abnormalities in the cornea and the eye lens that, in turn, restricts proper vision. The device accuracy is based on wavefront technology that analyses the light rays that pass through the eyes.
You would have to place your chin on the device so that your head is in a stable position. An image would flash in front of your eyes as you focus through the lens provided. As the image moves, the instrument would consequently measure your eyesight that reflects perfect results.
5. Slit Lamp Test
When a general eye exam fails to detect the eye disease you may be facing, a slit lamp test is suggested. The test is also known as “Biomicroscopy,” as a doctor uses a microscope like instrument for identifying the underlying eye problems. The good part is you do not have to prepare for this exam and it can be conducted at anytime.
In this test, an instrument would be placed in front of you. Next, you would have to place your chin on the space provided so that your chin and forehead get a stable place to rest. The eye doctor would then put eye drops in your eyes so that even the slightest issue comes to light easily. The fluid the doctor would use, contains a yellow dye known as “fluorescein”. The doctor may use some more drops so that the pupil gets dilated.
A low power-oriented microscope along with a slit lamp which uses a high-intensity light would be used. A close observation of your eyes would be done afterward so that none of the issues go unnoticed. The slit lamp holds the power to deploy different filters to get varied views of the eyes. Be it the front of the eye or the back; every part would be taken into consideration while undergoing this test.
Wrapping Up
Looking at the five basic eye exams conducted by an eye doctor, you now have a basic understanding about the tests. Now you shouldn’t feel naïve or hesitant when moving on with an eye exam. No matter what the age, opt for regular eye tests as it is the eyes that help you perceive the world and offers you the opportunity to enjoy the beauty around.