Eye exams are crucial for preserving good vision and maintaining overall eye health. Optometrists use specialized tools and equipment to evaluate vision, identify eye conditions, and recommend corrective measures. Familiarizing yourself with these tools can shed light on what typically occurs at an eye exam, helping you feel more relaxed during your appointment. Continue reading to learn more.
A phoropter is an instrument in which you view different lenses and respond to questions about clarity. This essential tool measures your refractive error and determines the appropriate eyeglasses or contact lens prescription.
A slit lamp offers the eye doctor a magnified look at the structures of the front part of your eyes. It helps them inspect anterior and posterior segments, including eyelids, cornea, iris, and lens. Shining a beam of light on your eye enables early detection of disorders such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
Identifying glaucoma early is crucial to preventing vision loss, and that’s where the tonometer comes in. This device measures intraocular pressure within your eye. Using a puff of air or gently touching the eye’s surface, it seeks to detect any increased eye pressure — a significant symptom of glaucoma.
If you need contact lenses, you’ll come across the keratometer. This device measures the curvature of your cornea for the accurate fitting of contacts. A well-fitted lens means greater comfort and better vision.
This is a computer-controlled machine used during eye exams. It precisely measures your eyes’ refractive power and how they focus light. The autorefractor is often the first step in determining your eyeglasses prescription.
The ophthalmoscope enables a direct view of the retina and the network of blood vessels at the back of your eye. By shining a light through the pupil, this instrument aids in diagnosing diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment and other retinal disorders.
Understanding how these typical eye exam tools work can help relieve uneasiness at your next appointment. If it’s time for your eye exam, schedule an appointment with a trusted optometrist. Joel H McGahen OD is equipped with advanced eye exam tools to ensure comprehensive care for your vision. Schedule your visit by calling (717) 264-4012 or heading to our contact page. We serve patients in Chambersburg, PA, and surrounding areas.