ROUTINE EYE EXAM IN SEATTLE
CLEARVIEW Eye & Laser 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 we may use in order to examine your eyes.
REFRACTION
The refraction eye exam is a test to determine your exact eyeglasses prescription for either glasses or contact lenses. Depending on the clarity of various lens options, your eye doctor will fine-tune your required prescription power. Refraction determines your level of nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and/or presbyopia.
SLIT-LAMP EXAMINATION
The slit lamp is an instrument that allows the eye doctor to get a highly magnified image of the eye’s structures including the lids, cornea, iris, lens, retina and optic nerve. Your eye doctor detects signs of infection or disease with this exam.
GLAUCOMA TEST
There are many different tests that can be used to evaluate the presence of glaucoma. These tests detect any degeneration of your optic nerve. Sometimes it is necessary to perform additional testing, including a visual field test, corneal pachymetry or an optic nerve head analysis. Your eye doctor will let you know if these tests are required prior to glaucoma treatment.
DILATION
Your eye doctor puts dilating eye drops in your eyes to make the pupils larger. This gives the eye doctor a better view of the eye’s internal structures. 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 difficulty focusing on close-up objects. These effects are temporary and may last for up to several hours. We can provide you with sunglasses, if needed.
CONSULTATION
At the end of your exam, your eye doctor will consult with you about your eye health. You will receive your glasses and contact lens prescriptions, treatment plans for any eye conditions or diseases detected during your exam, and pre- and post-operative instructions for any impending surgical treatment. Should you have any questions, feel free to ask your eye doctor.
When your vision and eye health matter, discover great care from a board-certified ophthalmologist at CLEARVIEW Eye & Laser. Call 206.431.9600 in Burien or 206.937.9600 in Seattle. We also welcome patients from Kent, Renton, Vashon Island and surrounding areas.
