Eye exams in Somerville, MA are similar to any medical examination, it consists of a number of different procedures to determine if the patient’s eyes are healthy or not. In the majority of cases a series of routine tests will be conducted, for those with a history of eye problems, there are tests which are more detailed and take longer.
One of the most common tests and often the first test given is the ‘cover test” where one eye is covered while the patient reads off the eye chart. This test is repeated on the other eye.
Another of the basic eye exams is a Retinoscopy. The optician will dim the lights in the examination room and looks into the patient’s eye with a light while the patient is staring at the eye chart. As the optician continues looking in the eye, a machine is placed in front of the patient and a series of different lenses are flipped in front of the eye. This test can determine approximately what the value of the prescription may be if correction is indeed required. If a prescription appears to be necessary it is further determined through the use of a phoropter. This machine is placed directly in front of the eyes and while a pair of lenses in a long series of choices is dropped the patient is asked to comment on which choice appears to improve the vision best.
The optician will conduct refraction tests which will determine if the patient is near or far sighted or has astigmatism and to what degree these conditions are present. The optician will then use an autorefractor, another special machine that the patient places his or her chin in while a bright light is shined into the eyes to determine any further vision needs.
There are many other tests that the optician can perform, whether these tests are done or not depends on the eye treatment that the patient requires. These tests are done to determine the patient’s suitability for laser surgery or for the fitting of contact lenses.
Generally speaking, one can expect eye exams in Somerville, MA to last about 30 minutes to an hour, all depending on the needs of the patient.
It is highly recommended that everyone undergo eye exams in Somerville, MA once a year. You are urged to make an appointment with General Optical Company. Click here to know more.
