Philip Walsh - Guide To An Eye Exam

Many people put off having an eye exam for the fear of not knowing what to expect. Eye exams are important to ensure your eyes are and remain as healthy as possible. The examination is quick and painless and is necessary to provide the requirements of your prescription. This will tell you whether you need glasses for reading, driving or everyday activities and will ensure you are equipped with the appropriate tools for optimum vision.

To begin with, tiny puffs of air are blown into your eye to measure the pressure in your eye. This important test can reveal your risk of developing glaucoma – one of the leading causes of blindness in the world. Glaucoma has no obvious symptoms, so it’s best to get it checked and treated early by a professional.

Specsavers stores have the ability to take a photo of the back of your eye using Digital Retinal Photography, this image of your retina, optic nerve and blood vessels can reveal a number of signs of eye conditions such as macular degeneration or eye changes associated with medical conditions such as diabetes.

The most commonly known part of the eye test is the reading of letters off a large chart. This visual acuity test measures the sharpness and clarity of your vision.

After testing is complete, the optometrist will take your daily habits into account, as this helps to build a picture of how to best care for your eyes.

The findings from the above tests are collated and a chat with the optometrist will build a recommendation tailored to your personal needs. Eye exams are not just about checking whether you need glasses; the exam also provides a vital health check for your general wellbeing.

For more information on eye exams or to book an eye exam, head to your local Specsavers optometrist or visit www.specsavers.co.nz.