The Different Types of Eye Exams

There are a wide range of eye exams available to health care professionals, and each is used to diagnose different types of vision-related impairments. Depending on symptoms, age, and other related factors, your doctor will determine which eye exams are necessary to diagnose any potential problems with your eyes properly.

The applanation method eye exam helps doctors recognize and diagnose glaucoma. It works by testing the amount of pressure needed to flatten a portion of the cornea, thereby indicating if the individual is at risk of developing the disease.

Corneal topography is used to create a map of the cornea’s curvature. This test can aid doctors in discovering astigmatism, and will help them decide if refractive surgery is a viable option for a variety of eye disorders. Likewise, this test is used to screen individuals before they are fitted for contact lenses and corneal transplants.

Fluorescein angiograms are used to elevate blood circulation in the retina, thereby assisting in the diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy and retinal detachment. A papillary dilation test, on the other hand, is a process by which the physician places eye drops that cause the pupil to dilate. Once this occurs, your doctor is able to examine the eye for various signs of disease.

A refraction test is administered when your physician needs to rate your ability to see objects at specific distances. This test is useful in diagnosing presbyopia, farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism. Tonometry is also used to diagnose glaucoma, and is a test where a puff of air is applied to measure the pressure present in an individual’s eye. Finally, an ultrasound exam is another useful tool for doctors, as it uses sound waves to provide a clear and accurate picture of the eye’s internal structures. Tumors and cataracts can be identified during this process, and the diagnosis of any number of ailments can be achieved.

To find out which tests are right for you, visit your eye care physician and describe all conditions you are currently experiencing. Whether you need one or all of these exams, rest assured that modern advancements enable doctors to diagnosis any disorders in a quick, painless, and highly accurate manner.