Your eyes do more than help you see; they offer valuable insight into your overall health. That’s why a yearly eye exam is essential, even if you think your vision is fine. Regular eye checkups help detect changes in vision early and screen for underlying health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
But if it’s been a while since your last visit, you might be wondering what to expect. Here’s a step-by-step guide to what typically happens during a routine yearly eye exam.
- Discussion About Your Medical History
At the start of your appointment, your eye doctor or technician will ask questions about your medical background, family history of eye diseases, and any current issues you’re experiencing. This includes everything from blurry vision and eye strain to headaches or light sensitivity.
Sharing this information honestly helps your optometrist tailor the exam to your unique needs and determine if you’re at risk for conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, or age-related macular degeneration.
- Vision Testing and Prescription Check
One of the core parts of your annual eye exam is testing how well you can see. You’ll be asked to read letters from a distance (visual acuity test), which helps determine if your vision is 20/20 or if corrective lenses are needed.
Next, your doctor may use a phoropter to fine-tune your prescription by asking which lens options appear clearer to you. This is essential for updating your glasses or contact lens prescription if needed. You can learn more about the importance of eye exams through a detailed guide on Pearle Vision.
- Eye Movement and Coordination Tests
Your optometrist may assess how well your eyes work together. This includes testing eye alignment, tracking ability, and depth perception. These functions are crucial for reading, driving, and other daily activities that require accurate visual coordination.
Poor eye teaming can cause symptoms like fatigue, double vision, or difficulty focusing—especially in children or people who spend long hours on screens.
- Pupil Dilation and Internal Eye Exam
To get a better view of the inside of your eye, your doctor might use dilating drops to widen your pupils. This allows for a more thorough examination of your retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels.
While your vision may be temporarily blurry and light-sensitive afterward, pupil dilation helps detect early signs of serious issues like retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, or macular degeneration before symptoms appear.
- Eye Pressure Test
Eye pressure measurement, often referred to as tonometry, is typically done to screen for glaucoma—a condition that can cause vision loss if left untreated. One common method involves a quick puff of air onto the eye, though other techniques may be used depending on the clinic.
This painless step helps your doctor evaluate whether your intraocular pressure is within a normal range.
- A Review of Results
After completing the tests, your eye doctor will review your results with you. If a new prescription is needed, you’ll receive it on the spot. If any issues are detected, the doctor will recommend follow-up steps, treatment plans, or lifestyle changes to protect your vision.
This is also a good time to ask any questions you have about eye health, lens options, or screen-time habits.
