Standard Ophthalmic Exam

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How is the Test Performed?

The eye doctor will start by asking a series of questions about your medical and ocular history and any noticeable eye problems.

Visual acuity (vision) is determined in each eye using the Snellen Chart. This chart consists of random letters of different sizes. The letters for normal vision (20/20) are 3/8-inch tall, viewed at 20 feet. People with normal vision can read these letters. A refraction test may also be performed where the doctor puts several lenses in front of the eyes to determine if glasses are needed.

Eye movement (see extraocular muscle function) and peripheral vision (see visual fields) are tested by moving a light or object through the field of vision. The eye's reaction to light (pupillary response) is also measured.

Color blindness is tested using multicolored dots that form numbers (see color vision test). Color blind people are not able to detect certain numbers or may see a different number than people who are not color blind.

Glaucoma testing (tonometry) is performed with a puff of air directed at the eye or using a blue circle of light that comes very close to the eye. Evaluation of the cornea and the front part of the eye is performed while seated at a slit lamp, a device which magnifies the doctor's view.

The retina, fundus (back of the eye), retinal vessels, and optic nerve head (optic disc) are viewed with an ophthalmoscope (a device made up of a light and a magnifier). This procedure is known as an ophthalmoscopy. Drops that dilate the pupil allow more of the fundus to be viewed.