If your eye sight is not up to the driving standard then you might be more dangerous than a drunk driver when out on the road. An eye test will detect eye diseases and pick up general health problems too. 89% of people fear the loss of their sight over any other sense, yet many do not have regular eye tests.

In the UK your eyes will be tested by an Optometrist – also called an ophthalmic optician. They are fully qualified, and are governed by the General Optical Council, who insist upon a specified list of tests, and control other issues such as the confidentiality of your appointment. The GOC suggest that eye exams are necessary every two years, although you may be recalled earlier if anything needs monitoring. The opticians will fully check the health of your eyes, and test your vision.

Eye Examination Routine

The optician will talk to you about any medication you are taking, your general health, and any symptoms you are concerned about. They will ask about your job, hobbies and sports activities, as these may affect the glasses they prescribe. They will assess the glasses you currently wear. You will then be tested in the following ways.

Intraocular Pressure

High pressure of the fluid inside the eye could mean Glaucoma, an eye disease that can lead to blindness. Nowadays most Opticians use a puff of air to read the pressure.

Visual Fields

A symptom of Glaucoma is a reduced field of view. The optician will check your peripheral vision, and your all-round vision.

Retinal Imaging

The optician uses a camera to take a picture of the retina, the light sensitive layer that lines the back of the eye. This can detect early signs of eye disease. During the rest of the test the optician sees small areas of the retina, with imagining they can see all of it and store the image for future reference.

Refraction

This tests your need for corrective lenses. You are checked for close work, intermediate – ie the VDU, and far distance. The optician uses a trial frame, into which he puts a series of test lenses, or a mechanised version called a phoropter. He may also use a hand held light to double check your prescription.

Pupil Reflex

This checks that your pupils react normally to light. Abnormal responses may be a sign of a neurological problem. The optician shines a light into your eyes to make sure your pupils dilate and contract as they should.

Oculomotor Balance

Muscles controlling eye movements have to co-ordinate, to give you comfortable vision and no double vision. There are several different ways of checking this.

Ophthalmoscopy – This is very important as it can detect eye health problems and general health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes and macular degeneration. The optician uses a hand held instrument to examine the internal structures of the eye.

The optician will explain your results, and give you a copy of your spectacle prescription. In the event of finding any general or eye health problems that need treatment or investigation they will go through this with you and refer you to your GP.