Vision and Medical Eye Exam

Comprehensive Eye Examinations

Dr. Williams recommends a yearly eye examination for vision and visual health. During the comprehensive eye examination, the health and function of your eyes will be assessed and various tests of your vision will be performed. Eye muscle coordination and focusing ability is tested. Ocular health testing including retinal examination and glaucoma testing are performed.

Eye Examination Steps

1. Are you having any difficulty with your eyes?

   The eye exam starts by identifying your vision or eye complaints.

2. Your eye history

   A careful eye health history is taken and reviewed, as well as systemic medical history. Any medications you are taking are noted, as many can affect the eyes and vision.

3. How sharp is your vision?

   Visual acuity, the sharpness of your vision, is measured and tests are performed to determine your eyeglass prescription.

4. Measure up

   Corneal curvature is measured to allow us to properly fit contact lenses, as well as detect any abnormal shape of the front surface of your eyes.

5. Coordination and Focus Tests

   Eye muscle coordination and focusing ability are tested.

6. Assessing the Small Stuff

   A bio microscope, or slit lamp, is used to assess the health of the lids, cornea, iris, lens and other structures of the eye.

7. Inspecting inside

   To inspect the inner structures of your eyes, including the retina and optic nerve, two methods can be used:

   Option 1: Alternative to Dilation

   A new diagnostic tool, Optomap, allows the doctor to view the entire retina without the use of pupil dilation. Dilating drops are not used. The Optomap imaging is fast, easy and comfortable. The images are permanent records in medical files, and can be reviewed for comparisons and to track any eye disease.

   Option 2: Dilation

   Dilating eye drops, which cause the pupils to enlarge, give the doctor a good view of the internal structures of the eye. The effects of the dilating drops usually begin to subside after a few hours. While eyes are dilated, close work or reading may be difficult and bright sunlight may be annoying. We suggest bringing sunglasses to see in bright light following a dilated eye exam.

8. What’s right for you?

   After performing all necessary tests, an explanation of the results will be discussed with you. Options such as eye glasses, contact lenses, eye medications or eye surgery will be presented to you.