What Can a Comprehensive Eye Exam Detect?

Scheduling regular comprehensive eye exams is essential to maintaining eye health. The exams include several tests to evaluate vision and eye health. A comprehensive eye exam usually takes about an hour, including the time it takes to dilate the pupils. The various tests evaluate different areas of eye health. Ophthalmologists or optometrists conduct exams that often vary depending on the patient's age, eye condition, and risk factors. 
 

Refractive Errors 

During comprehensive eye exams, doctors can check the condition of the vision. Many people do not have perfect (20/20) vision. When an individual is unable to see clearly or focus on images correctly, it causes blurry vision. This condition is called a refractive error, the most common eye disorder. A retinoscopy test can help to measure the severity of the error. There are several refractive errors, including myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia.
 

Strabismus 

Strabismus, also known as crossed eyes, is a disorder where one eye focuses in a different direction than the other. The eyes are misaligned, making it difficult to see objects clearly. The condition is common among children. 
 

The child's brain usually suppresses images in the deviated eye, which can lead to amblyopia (lazy eye) if untreated. In adults, the misalignment can lead to diplopia or double vision. Early intervention can help to prevent vision loss. 
 

Optic Nerve Conditions

During comprehensive eye exams, doctors conduct tests to examine the condition of the optic nerve. By examining how the eyes react to light simulation, they can determine whether reduced vision is due to optic nerve disorder. 
 

The exam can detect conditions such as:

• Optic nerve damage
• Retinal disease
• Optic neuritis
• Ischemic optic disease

The test can also help detect severe glaucoma, severe macular degeneration, and retinal detachment. 
 

Glaucoma 

Eye specialists perform several tests to measure fluid pressure in the eyes. They use five different exams to diagnose glaucoma. Most routine glaucoma exams use tonometry and ophthalmoscopy. If early tests detect an issue, patients should consult a glaucoma specialist. Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that can lead to permanent vision loss. Early detection and prompt treatment can help to protect the eyesight. 
 

Retinal Conditions 

A retinal exam can help assess the back section of the eye (retina). The exam can involve pupil dilation or digital retinal imaging. Specialists examine or take images of the inner eye. They check for macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and detached retina. Examining the retina's blood vessels can help detect health conditions like diabetes. 
 

Health Conditions

Eye doctors can detect various health conditions and disorders during comprehensive eye exams. They can detect the following:
 

• Aneurysms
• Brain tumors
• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• High cholesterol
• Heart disease
• Lupus and various cancers

Eye exams can also detect signs of Lyme disease, multiple sclerosis, Sjogren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, vascular disease, and thyroid disease. 
 

Regular comprehensive eye exams are a vital part of taking care of your overall health. They are essential for children and adults. Your eye care doctor can recommend the best schedule depending on age, risk factors, and eye condition. 
 

For more on what a comprehensive eye exam can detect, visit Delta Eye Care at our office in Allen, Texas. Call (469) 250-2021 to book an appointment today.