Northwest Eye Physicians uses various up-to-date tests and
procedures to examine your eyes. The tests range from simple
eye chart reading to using a high-powered lens to examine the inside
of your eyes. Here are some of the most common tests that your doctor
may use in order to examine your eyes.
Refraction
This is the test that is used to determine your exact eye
prescription for eyeglasses and contact lenses. Depending
on the clarity of various lens options, our staff will
fine-tune your required prescription power. Refraction
determines your level of nearsightedness, farsightedness,
astigmatism and presbyopia.
Slit-Lamp Examination
The slit lamp is an instrument that allows the doctor
to get a highly magnified image of the eye's structures
including the lids, cornea, iris and optic nerve. Signs
of infection or disease are detected with this exam.
Glaucoma Test
There are many different tests that can be used to
evaluate the presence of glaucoma. Their purpose is
to measure the pressure inside the eye. The painless "puff
of air" test analyzes the resistance of the eye to
an external air puff. Your doctor may also chose to use an applanation
tomometer which requires an eye drop for comfort. This
test manually measures the eye's pressure. Both tests
are painless.
Dilation
Dilating drops are drops that your eye doctor puts in your
eyes to make the pupils larger. This gives the doctor
a better view of the internal structures of the eye. The pupil is
like a window to the inside of the eye. Dilating drops usually take
about 20 to 30 minutes to start working. While they are working,
you will be sensitive to light and may notice a difficulty in focusing
on close-up objects. These effects may last for up to several hours.
We have temporary sunglasses for you to use if you do not have your
own!
