How Do Eye Doctors Know if You Need Glasses?

Submitted by salandvision on August 25, 2020 - 3:54 am

Doctors use several tests to determine whether or not you need glasses. These tests are performed during a comprehensive eye exam. Comprehensive eye exams are recommended at least once every year.

A comprehensive eye exam involves a careful and thorough evaluation of the different aspects of your visual health. We will assess your eye structures and their respective functions. The main objective is to identify eye conditions and render necessary treatment as soon as possible. 

Along with testing to see if you need new glasses or contact lenses, tests are performed to see if there are any signs of eye disease such as glaucoma or macular degeneration, these types of diseases have little or no symptoms until significant damage has already occurred. 

Tests that may be included in your comprehensive eye exam are:

Tonometry – This test is important to determine your eye pressure in the evaluation for glaucoma. 

Retinoscopy – This is a technique to obtain the objective measurement of your prescription. It provides a way to estimate what your vision prescription may be. It can either be performed by an automated machine or it can be done manually with a retinoscope. The retinoscope shines a bright light into the eye, while Dr. Saland observes the reflection off your retina, he can determine your estimated prescription.

Refraction – This test uses a device called a phoropter to determine your corrective lens prescription.  This instrument is used to test various lenses against your eyes, enabling Dr. Saland to determine the best power prescription for your eyeglasses or contacts. The phoropter measures the exact level of astigmatism, myopia or hyperopia you may have.

Slit Lamp – The slit lamp exam allows the eye to be analyzed from front to back. During this test in Dallas, Dr. Saland uses a special high-power microscope to examine the structures of your eye, testing for infections or ocular diseases. This test is beneficial for detecting conjunctivitis and other common eye issues as well as more serious ocular conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration.

Besides your eye health, your overall bodily health can be detected through your eyes as well. A comprehensive eye exam can detect tumors, cancer, high blood pressure and diabetes, among other conditions that can be first detected in the eyes.

Comprehensive eye exams can only be performed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. These professionals have undergone many years of study and training, enabling them to make an accurate diagnosis. To schedule a comprehensive eye exam with Dr. Saland in Dallas, contact Saland Vision at 214-691-8000 or website today.