While there are some basic eye vision tests common to most eye exams, children and young adults have different vision testing needs than say, a healthy middle-aged adult, or an adult with a history of eye problems.
Vision testing equipment ranges from simple tools like the “Big E” eye chart (Snellen Chart) and a hand-held penlight and eye cover, to more complex devices that swap lenses in front of your eyes or use special lamps to view the eye’s structure. A comprehensive eye exam includes vision testing, and vision testing equipment that is common to almost all eye exams, but is often tailored to your age, your specific need, or your individual symptoms. The following are some common tests you may be given during a routine eye exam.
(Special thanks to the EyeGlass Guide, for informational material that aided in the creation of this website. Visit the EyeGlass Guide today!)
Autorefractor
If you’ve discovered you might need vision correction during your eye examination, it’s vital to determine just how “much” your …
Eye Dilation
A truly comprehensive eye exam almost always includes eye dilation—the addition of special eye drops that “open up” the pupil at …
Glaucoma Test
Glaucoma is the generalized name for a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve of the eye, preventing the eye from …
Ophthalmoscope
While an ophthalmoscope may seem similar to the retina scope, it has a different purpose. This is a handheld device that combines …
Optomap
For many eyecare patients, having pupils dilated (opened up) using eye drops can be a bother. But as an integral part of a truly …
Peripheral Vision Test
As part of a comprehensive eye exam or vision screening, eye doctors almost always include a peripheral vision test. Your …
Phoropter
If, during an eye examination, your doctor has discovered a vision problem like nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism, …
Puffer Test
Most people who’ve had a comprehensive eye exam are familiar with the puffer test. A puffer test is what it sounds like: With your …
Retinoscope
A retinoscope is a handheld device used by eyecare professionals to determine whether your eyes are “20/20,” or have difficulties …
Slit Lamp Exam
If you’ve ever had a comprehensive eye examination, chances are you’ve had a slit lamp exam. Slit lamp tests are designed to help …
Snellen Chart
Hopefully by now, we’ve all seen one. The projected or wall-mounted Snellen eye chart, usually topped by the big letter “E”, is a …
Vision Screening
What’s the difference between a vision test and a vision screening? If you consider the vision test as the “goal” of having a …
Vision Testing
Vision testing at the eye doctor is as individual as you are. When it comes to vision testing, no two eye exams are alike, because