Some people only know that there are kinds of eye exams, which will be conducted when they begin to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses. However, there are actually particular contact lens exams, which are exclusively for contact lens wearers. Some people consider a routine eye exam and a contact lens exam as the same one. Actually, there are fundamental differences between the two types and this writing focuses on this information. With these differences in mind, it is possible to make a right schedule of eye exam that is truly needed.
A routine eye exam aims at detecting vision problems, eye disease and general eye health issues. Some of these problems can not be realized at an early stage and a routine eye exam can detect early signs. For average people, a routine eye exam every 1 to 3 years is necessary. There are a variety of eye tests that can be used to examine the eyes.
Eye chart test requires the patient to read the eye chart firstly with both eyes uncovered and then one eye covered. An eye chart test is quite basic which only examines brief visual acuity. In a retinoscopy test, the patient will be asked to focus the eyes on a target in a dimmed room. After that, the doctor will shine a light into the patient’s eyes. A general prescription can be achieved through the analysis of the way the light bounces off the eyes.
For exact prescription determination, the doctor will conduct a refraction, which is done with a machine called phoropter. A series of lens with different powers will be placed in front of the patient’s eyes. Based on the response from the patient, the precise level of visual augmentation can be determined. During a slit-lamp examination, a machine will be used to highly magnify all the structures of the eye, in which each part of the eye can be evaluated and potential infection or disease can be found.
For people wearing contact lenses or considering contact, a contact lens exam is needed and should not be confused by a routine eye exam. During a lens exam, the corneal surface will be examined to ensure a proper lens fit. A kerameter can be used to measure the curvatures of the corneal surface. In addition, the pupil and iris will also be evaluated. To get the best type of lens possible, the patient should tell his or her lifestyle and preference to the doctor.