Regular eye exams are essential to the health and wellness for people of all ages. Eye tests are one component of exams, and they do everything from determining the strength of your vision to looking for signs of illness or disease. Whether you’re preparing for your first eye exam or haven’t been in many years, here is what you can expect from the testing. 

A Guide to Different Types of Eye Tests

1. Visual Acuity Testing

A visual acuity test determines how well you can see from certain distances. This test involves a Snellen eye chart, which features letters in different sizes on separate rows. The doctor will ask you to read off letters with each eye while you cover the other one. The results of your test are provided in a fraction; 20/20 vision means that you can see normally at 20 feet away. Conversely, someone with 20/40 vision can see objects 20 feet away that other people can see at 40 feet.

2. Slit-Lamp Test

Eye doctors also use testing to look for other eye diseases and conditions. Slit-lamp testing looks for defects in your eyes that could signal cataracts, macular degeneration, or retinal detachment. The doctor will ask you to rest your face on a device while they look into your eyes using a microscope. They’ll also give you drops that dilate the eyes to make it easier to locate problems. 

3. Intraocular Pressure Measurement

Increasing pressure in the eyes is a symptom of glaucoma, which may cause vision loss without proper treatment. An intraocular pressure test measures the pressure of the fluid in your eyes using a device that a doctor lightly places on the surface of your eyes. To prevent discomfort, your eye doctor will use numbing drops before measuring. The normal pressure ranges between 10 to 21 millimeters of mercury (mmHg), while readings over 21 mmHg normally indicate glaucoma. 

Most people should receive an eye exam every one to two years. If it’s your first time or you haven’t received one in a while, Dr. Matthew Lipparelli, OD, can help. This clinic is board-certified in the treatment and management of eye diseases, meaning you’ll receive an accurate diagnosis, followed up by the right treatment. If you’re experiencing an urgent eye care issue, they’ll do their best to get you in for an exam immediately. Visit them online for the complete listing of optical services. Call (775) 753-5353 to schedule an appointment.