What happens during an eye exam?

During an eye exam, the doctors at Friedberg Eye Associates will evaluate all aspects of vision and eye health. Some of the tests the doctors perform include but are not limited to:

• Visual acuity test - During the visual acuity test, the doctor evaluates the patient’s sight to determine whether the patient needs glasses.
• External exam - The purpose of the external exam is to look for defects in the eyelids, pupils, or whites of the eyes.
• Eye muscle movement test - Doctors usually test the movement of the eye muscles to make sure they are strong and coordinated.
• Slit lamp examination - The microscope is used to evaluate the deeper portion of the eye including the iris, the anterior chamber and the cataract areas.
• Retinal examination - During this test, the doctor dilates the patient’s pupils and examines the retina at the back of the eye, as well as the optic nerve, eye fluid, and blood vessels.
• Many additional test can be performed depending on the results of the exam.

If the results of the visual acuity test show that the patient needs glasses, the doctor will perform additional tests to identify the proper prescription for the patient.

Are eye exams painful?

Eye exams are not painful. However, if the doctor dilates the patient’s pupils during the test, the patient may experience some sensitivity to light until the pupils have returned to their normal size.

How often are eye exams necessary?

For healthy adults who don’t need eyeglasses, eye exams should take place at least once every 2 years. Adults and children who have a prescription for glasses or contacts should make an appointment at least once each year. Patients who are at risk of certain serious eye conditions may need to visit Friedberg Eye Associates more often. Patients should consult their doctor to determine how often eye exams will be necessary.

When and how should pediatric screening be done?

The American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus recommend the following exams:

Newborn. An ophthalmologist, pediatrician, family doctor or other trained health professional should examine a newborn baby’s eyes and perform a red reflex test (a basic indicator that the eyes are normal). An Eye M.D. should perform a comprehensive exam if the baby is premature or at high risk for medical problems for other reasons, has signs of abnormalities, or has a family history of serious vision disorders in childhood.

Infant. A second screening for eye health should be done by an ophthalmologist, pediatrician, family doctor or other trained health professional at a well-child exam between six months and the first birthday.

Preschooler. Between the ages of 3 and 3½, a child’s vision and eye alignment should be assessed by an ophthalmologist or  optometrist. Visual acuity should be tested as soon as the child is old enough to cooperate with an eye exam using an eye chart unless there are circumstances requiring alternative options. Photoscreening is another way to check visual acuity that does not require a young child to cooperate with the test. Either approach to testing will determine whether the child can focus normally at far, middle and near distances. Many children are somewhat farsighted (hyperopic) but can also see clearly at other distances. Most children will not require glasses or other vision correction.

• If misaligned eyes (strabismus), "lazy eye” (amblyopia), refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism) or another focusing problem is suspected in the initial screening, the child should have a comprehensive exam by an Eye M.D. It’s important to begin treatment as soon as possible to ensure successful vision correction and life-long benefits.

School age. Upon entering school, or whenever a problem is suspected, children’s eyes should be screened for visual acuity and alignment by a pediatrician, family doctor, ophthalmologist/ optometrist. Nearsightedness (myopia) is the most common refractive error in this age group and can be corrected with eyeglasses. If an alignment problem or other eye health issues is suspected, the child should have a comprehensive exam by an Eye M.D.

Why is regular vision screening for children so important?

Good vision is key to a child’s physical development, success in school and overall well-being. The vision system is not fully formed in babies and young children, and equal input from both eyes is necessary for the brain’s vision centers to develop normally. If a young child’s eyes cannot send clear images to the brain, his or her vision may become limited in ways that cannot be corrected later in life. But if problems are detected early, it is usually possible to treat them effectively.