An eye examination has two important functions:
- The first is to assess the health of the eyes and to detect any general health problems that may be reflected in the eyes.
- The second is to determine how well the eyes work, and to provide a prescription for optimum correction.
An eye examination is much more than a "glasses test"
A clear focus on your eye health
While some eye problems are obvious, many others do not make themselves known through pain, redness or an immediate reduction in vision. A deterioration in sight can be slow and go unnoticed, especially when only one eye is affected or in children who may be unaware of what is normal.
Even small amounts of blurred vision can be a cause of unnecessary eyestrain, and is a hazard to others when driving or operating machinery. Something as simple as a pair of glasses can massively improve the quality of someone’s life. When damage to the eyes is caused by disease it is often not reversible, and so the early detection of eye problems to allow treatment to prevent further deterioration is preferable. Fortunately, eye disease is not common for much of our life, but becomes increasingly prevalent as we get older.
Routine eye examinations are advisable every 2-3 years for the majority of people, although a shorter interval may be recommended depending on your medical history and age.
What's involved?
Primary eyecare has developed enormously over the years. We now have a huge range of techniques, better technology and, most significantly, have extended the scope of the examination. There are many clinical tests that could be included in the examination, and so a large part of an optometrist’s skill is to determine which tests are appropriate.
At Johnson & Furze Optometrists and Opticians we are always willing to incorporate technology when it is helpful, but recognise that no amount of gadgetry will ever replace listening to your problems, interpreting test results, and the communication of our findings to you at the end the examination.
Core elements
The following are components that in our opinion should be included in any primary eyecare examination:
- Detailed history to highlight potential problems
- Recording what you can see
- Measuring any optical defocus
- Assessment of the coordination of the two eyes
- Internal and external structures of your eyes will be thoroughly examined
- Explanation of test results and advice
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7 Chapel Street Thornbury, BS35 2BJ Tel: 01454 411760 |
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