COMPREHENSIVE EYE EXAMS

Chisholm Optometry | Eye Exams, Glasses & Lenses | Optometrist in Sudbury, ON   →  COMPREHENSIVE EYE EXAMS

COMPREHENSIVE EYE EXAMS

Description & Process

During your visit, your doctor will perform a variety of tests and procedures to assess the health and function of your eyes.

This will include the most advanced diagnostic instrumentation to assist in careful testing for glaucoma, cataracts and other health related anomalies. Visual abilities are measured for various distances and eye muscle coordination is assessed. The need for eyeglasses or contact lenses will be determined, and your doctor will then discuss all of the examination results.

In some cases, further special diagnostic procedures such as photographic documentation, visual fields studies or in depth glaucoma evaluation may be required.

Why do I need an eye examination if I have 20/20 vision?

Early diagnosis of eye disease is critical! Eyes don’t hurt so patients are often unaware that serious sight threatening conditions are present. Eye disease rarely has any symptoms in the early stages. Glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, hypertension, and diabetic retinopathy are only some of the reasons an annual eye examination is so important.

Dry Eyes

Our dry eye doctors will evaluate your symptoms with a comprehensive eye exam. We will assess the health of your Meibomian glands, tear film quality, and general corneal health. Everyone experiences different symptoms of dry eye, but the most typical complaints include:

  • Burning or stinging
  • Redness
  • Itchiness
  • Sensation of sand stuck in the eye
  • Intermittent blurred vision
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Concussions

Our doctors are part of the Shift Concussion Management Program which utilizes a multidisciplinary team based approach to concussion rehabilitation. Concussions have become a nationwide concern and our doctors can help with recovery. Common visual symptoms of concussion include:

  • Blurred vision
  • Double vision
  • Headaches
  • Motion sickness

Eye Exams for Children

Children need special consideration when it comes to eye exams. Your child should have their first eye exam before they turn two years old as 80% of learning is visual. As such, children need to have annual exams before they start school and every year while they are in school. We are fortunate living in Ontario in that the provincial government still covers eye exams annually for children. We provide an inviting and fun environment for your children.

If your child does need glasses, our optical has a huge variety of glasses for your children to pick from, and we will ensure that your child’s first experience with glasses is positive. We also provide contacts for children with special needs or for those who are actively involved in sports.

What to Expect During Exam

The tests described below are typical during a comprehensive eye exam. Additional investigative tests may be recommended if there are any irregularities in your eye health or vision.

  • CASE HISTORY
    You will be asked about your general health, medication, working environment and more, and asked to describe any vision problems you may be experiencing.
  • EXTERNAL EYE EXAMINATION
    The external area of your eye and eyelids will be examined for abnormalities.
  • INTERNAL EYE EXAMINATION
    The slit lamp microscope and an ophthalmoscope are used to check for abnormalities from front to back. Problems, which can be detected, include diabetes or hypertension.
  • FUNDUS PHOTOGRAPHY
    We recommend this test as part of your comprehensive annual eye exam. The digital retinal camera can document the appearance of your retina, optic nerve and macula aiding in timely diagnosis of eye disease.
  • TONOMETRY
    Tonometry measures the fluid pressure in both eyes, and is an important test in detecting glaucoma.
  • VISION TESTS
    Several tests are used to assess your vision these include Stereo tests, colour vision tests and amsler grid tests.
  • RETINOSCOPY
    We can determine the strength of your eyeglass prescription using various lenses and a retinoscope. This is done without patient feedback, and is invaluable in assessing vision problems in children and others who may not be able to read the eye chart.
  • REFRACTION
    This test will determine your ability to see small details, both near and far. A phoropter is used to fine-tune your spectacle prescription. Lenses are systematically changed until a clear focus is obtained.
  • BINOCULAR VISION
    We will evaluate how well your eyes function together and how well your eyes change focus from distance to near.
  • PERIPHERAL VISION
    Your eyes will be evaluated on how well you see objects that are not directly in front of you.
  • OTHER TESTS
    Other tests may be undertaken to evaluate your ability to change focus, see colour correctly, or perceive depth.

Retinal Imaging - OPTOS

What can happen to the retina?

Your retina is the only place in the body where blood vessels can be seen directly. This means, in addition to eye conditions, signs of other diseases (for example, stroke, heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes) can be seen in the retina. Early detection is essential so treatments can be administered.

Diabetic Retinopathy (DR).

Diabetes affects the eyes and the kidneys and is a leading cause of blindness. Retinopathy occurs when diabetes damages the tiny blood vessels inside the retina.

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD).

The center of the retina (the macula) can become diseased as we get older. This results in alterations to our fine central vision making daily activities such as driving and reading difficult

Glaucoma (Increased Eye Pressure).

Glaucoma causes damage to the optic nerve and almost always develops without symptoms.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure).

increased pressure can result in changes to blood vessels in the eye, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease (stroke or heart disease).