Doing anything for the first time can be intimidating. This is particularly true when it comes to going to a new doctor. If you’re scheduled for your first eye exam, you may have some questions. What can you expect during the exam? What kind of tests will your doctor do? What types of things will your eye doctor look for?
In this article, we’ll cover everything you should expect during your annual eye exam so you can enjoy a stress-free appointment.
What to Expect During Your Annual Eye Exam
If you have never had an annual eye exam, find a reliable local doctor to schedule an appointment. There are several benefits of scheduling a yearly exam. Eye doctors perform several tests to determine the health of your eyes. This includes checking your vision, examining the structure of your eye, and monitoring for several eye diseases.
Let’s go over the different components of a comprehensive annual exam, so you know what to expect.
1. External Exam
Your eye doctor will look at your eye to examine its structure. They will also do a pupil reaction test during this part of your exam. This will help them see how your pupil changes in reaction to different things like light. During this portion of the test, your doctor will also examine your eyelids and the whites of your eyes.
2. Eye Chart Visual Exam
This portion of the test checks your visual acuity. One of the most simple parts of your exam, your doctor will have you cover one eye and read letters on a chart that’s a distance away. This tells your eye doctor whether you need glasses. Based on your visual acuity, your doctor can determine the health of your vision.
3. Internal Exam
Next, your doctor will get close to your eyes to examine the external parts of your eye thoroughly. Using small instruments, your doctor will look into your eye, covering one eye at a time to test your eye movement. They will test your reaction to light and other factors that can indicate a lot about your eye health.
4. Internal Exam
Finally, your doctor will look inside your eyes. Your eyes can tell a doctor a lot about your overall health. Using a special instrument that magnifies the structure of your eye, your doctor will examine your cornea, iris, and eyelids. Eye doctors can even look at the optic nerve and the structure of the back of your eye. This will give them information on the overall health of your eyes and alert them to potential eye health issues that need to be addressed.
How Often Should I Have My Eyes Checked?
Most eye doctors recommend that you have your eyes checked at least once a year based on your age. Adults over the age of 40 may have their eyes checked as often as three times a year. Of course, this recommendation varies if you have ongoing eye problems or need your eyes checked for acute issues.
Contact Antelope Valley Eye Care Today to Schedule an Appointment
If you need a reliable Palmdale eye doctor, Antelope Valley Eye Care is here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for your annual exam.