A New Way of Looking at Eye Examinations

Having an eye exam is far more than just reading letters on an eye chart. Ask your optometrist or ophthalmologist for the specific tests and exams that Dr. Marc Grossman describes in this podcast. These exams could help head off serious eye disease in the future through early detection. High-tech tests are important.

The doctor should take your history. Also, do you use electronics excessively? How can electronics use be mitigated?

Several sensitive tests for glaucoma include tests for eye pressure and tests on the cornea. The retinal exam should go beyond a basic slit lamp exam. A digital retinal scanner and OCT are newer technologies produce very detailed images. These machines are important for detection and tracking of eye disease. Everyone over age 50 could benefit from these test as a baseline. Research shows that supplements and lifestyle changes can affect the course of eye disease.

Special tests of the front of the eye look for dry eye and tear duct problems.

Visual field testing helps detect certain eye diseases. Low-tech visual field testing might mean the patient counting fingers at the edges of their visual field. High-tech testing would require the patient to look into a machine and respond to visual cues.

Call around and ask about the new tests. They may cost more, but they are an investment in your vision health.