likely lead ti worsening eyesight.  Vision problems affect more than 86 million adults over the age of 40.  In children, amblyopia, if not detected early, can have long-term consequences.  Other eye diseases, such as glaucoma, can cause irreversible vision loss.  The best way to ensure that your family's vision is healthy is to make sure every member of your family has a regular comprehensive eye exam.

Our doctors use a wide variety of test to examine the eyes.  These tests range from simple ones, like having to read an eye chart, to complex test, such as using a high-powered lens to visualize the tiny structures inside of the eyes.

Important Information
In order to provide the best evaluation possible, it is often necessary to review old medical records.  Please bring along any records of previous eye surgeries, a list of any oral medications, along with any eye drops you may be currently taking.

Almost all patients will have their pupils dilated.  This is a necessity to the ophthalmic evaluation.  If you are concerned about driving with your eyes dilated, please bring someone to assist you.  Vision may be blurred for hours after the examination.

Check-In/Reception
Please check in at the reception area.  If you are a new patient, please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment time.

Regardless of the type of test being performed, it is important that you follow directions closely and be honest in your answers.  This will ensure accurate results and the most thorough evaluation of your eyes.  Here are the basic test that you will likely encounter during a routine eye exam: 

• History - A complete history will be taken.  For example, any current eye problems, all prescription medicines (oran and/or eye drop form), as well as any past eye surgeries will need to be noted.  THis all very helpful information in order to best meet your needs.

• Visual Equity - The patient will be asked to cover one eye and look at a standard eye chart, then read the line of letters and/or numbers that are clearest.  If the doctor tells your that you have 20/20 vision, for instance,  this just means that you can clearly see a certain letter on the eye chart equivalent to what you

• Retinoscopy - In retinoscopy, the room lights will be dimmed and you will be given a large target (usually the big "E" on the chart) to fixate on.  As you stare at the "E", the eye doctor will shine a light at your eye and flip lenses in a machine in front of your eyes.  Based on the way the light reflects from you eye, the doctor is able to "ballpark" your prescription.  This test is especially useful for children and non-verbal patients who are unable to accurately answer the doctor's questions.

• Refraction - This is the test that the eye doctor uses to determine your exact prescription.  The doctor will put an instrument called a phoropter in front of your eyes and show you a series of lens choices.  He or she will then ask you which of the two lenses in each choice looks clearer.  The doctor will continue to fine-tune your power until there is a final prescription that is then used in your eye glasses and contacts (if needed).

• Glaucoma Testing - The purpose of glaucoma test is to measure the intraocular pressure (pressure inside of the eye).  The doctor will start by putting a numbing drop in the eye combined with a yellow dye.  Then the patient will be asked to put their chin in the machines chin rest.  The

• Dilation - Dilating drops are used inside of the eye in order to make the pupils bigger.  This is also a very essential part of the eye examination.  Think of the pupil as a window to the inside of the eye, dilation opens the window wider allowing the doctor to see the internal structure of the eye.  Dilating drops usually take about 20-30 minutes to start working.  Dilation will last serveral hours, making your vision blurry and your eyes sinsitive to light.  Sunglasses are recommendeed, and we will supply your with a disposable pair of tinted shades.