Understanding Your Eyesight Test
If you’re considering an eye examination but are curious about the process, the following explanation aims to provide you with some clarity and reassurance that the experience with Lesley Cree Opticians will be stress free.
The significance of regular eye exams
Each eye examination is personalised based on your requirements and the techniques preferred by your optometrist. Apart from assessing eye health, these tests can uncover indications of broader health issues like diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension. It’s recommended to undergo an eye exam every two years, or more frequently if advised by your optometrist.
What is involved in the eye testing procedure?
Your optometrist will evaluate your vision both up close and at a distance, often employing specialised charts featuring symbols or letters. This assessment may involve wearing your glasses or not. Through a series of tests utilising various lenses, they determine whether you require corrective lenses or a prescription adjustment. Your honest responses to simple questions are valuable during this process. There are no right or wrong answers, so there’s no need for concern.
For individuals unable to respond to verbal cues, alternative methods are available for determining a prescription. This is particularly beneficial for young children or those with cognitive or additional needs. Additionally, your optometrist will assess your eye muscles to gauge how effectively your eyes coordinate.
Patient history and symptoms
Detailed questions regarding your vision, lifestyle, health, and any past eye issues you or your family have experienced are essential. Bringing a list of medications and your current glasses or previous prescription is advisable.
Eye health evaluation
Your optometrist will inspect both the external and internal structures of your eyes, identifying any indications of disease or injury. The equipment used within Lesley Cree Opticians can include a slit-lamp to look at the cornea and anterior eye eg: iris and lens which can detect cataracts. The slit-lamp is also used with a high powered Wohlk lens to look at the retina in 3D. We often use a traditional Ophthalmoscope to view the inside of your eye, or the high-tech Optos eye scanner (see below), all of which check the optic nerve (for glaucoma or neurological disease), blood vessels (for blood pressure and diabetes), macular (for macular degeneration) and any freckles/moles/melanomas or retinal degeneration (holes/tears) that can lead to a retinal detachment.
In some cases, eye drops may be necessary to enhance visibility of the retina, a step that your optometrist will explain beforehand.
Peripheral vision and eye pressure assessment
Peripheral vision may be assessed using specialised instruments to detect specific eye or neurological conditions. Additionally, an eye pressure test might be conducted to screen for glaucoma.
Consultation and recommendations
Following the examination, your optometrist will discuss the findings with you and address any questions you may have. They will advise you on the necessity of glasses, if applicable, and recommend suitable options. Furthermore, they will alert you to any identified eye issues. Should further medical evaluation be warranted, your optometrist will refer you to your GP or an eye hospital. You will receive a written report of the examination results, including any prescribed glasses and recommendations for future eye exams.
The importance of eye examinations
Eye examinations are vital for maintaining optimal eye health for you and your family.
Your optometrist plays a crucial role in:
- Identifying early signs of eye disease
- Enhancing vision clarity and comfort
- Detecting indications of broader health conditions manifesting in the eyes
By prioritising regular eye exams, you not only safeguard your vision but also contribute to your overall well-being.
Why should I get my eyes tested at Lesley Cree Opticians?
At Lesley Cree Opticians, we utilise the state-of-the-art laser Optos eye scanner to provide the best in eye heath care for our patients.
The Optos Monaco combines both an OCT scan, and an ultra-wide image of the retina known as an Optomap.
The Optomap high resolution image replaces the retinal camera and enables a much wider and highly magnified view of not only the central retina, but also the peripheral retina. Whereby traditional methods typically reveal only 15% of the retina at one time, the Optomap captures more than 80% of the retina in one panoramic image. This enables much earlier detection of many retinal abnormalities.
As a local independent practice, we would be delighted to look after you when it comes to eyecare and hearing care. Please call 0115 933 2999 to book an appointment or pop into our practice to meet us.
To view some testimonials from patients who have loved their experience at Lesley Cree Opticians, please click here.
