General
A comprehensive routine examination typically includes taking a patient's medical history and involves questions about health, life style, medications, and past eye diseases or surgeries. The doctor measures the patient's visual acuity and refractive error using eye charts and refracting instruments. These measurements determine the need for corrective lenses and, if so, the specific prescription. The front of the eye is viewed using a slit lamp microscope to check the cornea, anterior chamber, iris and lens. The doctor examines the inside of the eyes, often using drops to dilate the pupils. Any retinal or optic nerve problems inside of the eye can be identified using an ophthalmoscope. The doctor measures the eye pressure using a tonometer. After the examination, the doctor may prescribe corrective lenses, and suggest additional testing or treatment, if necessary. The doctor also will indicate when a patient should have another eye examination.

Related Information
Most of us take our eyesight for granted until something goes wrong. One of the keys to preserving eyesight is routine preventive care. Having routine periodic eye examinations and seeing an ophthalmologist whenever there is a noticeable change in vision are important steps in preserving sight. Most eye problems can be treated successfully if they are diagnosed early.

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