Cool Tests Your Eye Doctor May Perform
Routine eye tests are an important yearly aspect of maintaining good eye health. However, in addition to a routine eye examination, more specialized tests may be performed to gain additional information about the eyes. These tests are routinely performed in the eye doctor’s office and can help with diagnosing conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy among many others. If any of these extra tests are needed, your eye doctor will discuss what test is needed, why, and when it should be performed and then will discuss the results with you after the test is completed.
Eye Tests That are Always Performed
While there are many additional tests that can be performed if needed, there are several tests that are always performed as a part of a routine eye examination.
These tests include checking the eye pressure, checking the alignment of the eyes, checking the vision in both eyes, and evaluating the health of the front and the back of the eyes.
Each of these is vital to performing a comprehensive eye examination and will be done every year to keep updated on any possible changes.
Additional Tests for the Eyes and Eye Health
These tests are ordered by an eye doctor based on a finding or concern that was noted in the routine eye examination.
Special scans of the back of the eye include an OCT, B scan ultrasound, and fluorescein angiography.
A visual field test is used to detect the limits of peripheral vision and identify any areas of missing vision.
OCT Retinal Scans
An OCT, or optical coherence tomography, is a scan that provides a cross-section view of the retina in the back of the eye.
This test is extremely useful for any eye condition which impacts the retina or optic nerve including glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.
For this test, you simply have to place your chin on a chinrest of the instrument and then look at the internal target.
The instrument uses light rays similar to how an ultrasound uses sound waves to generate a cross-sectional scan of the retina.
In many offices, if an OCT is needed, it can be performed on the same day as a routine eye examination as the test is very quick.
B-Scan Ultrasound
A B scan ultrasound is a small device that can perform ultrasounds directed at the eye.
This is a useful test if there is difficulty seeing the retina from a dense cataract or if there are abnormal changes that need to have the depth measured.
If an office can perform a B scan ultrasound, it will usually require a separate visit as the test is much longer and has a significant amount of prep work.
Fluorescein Angiography
Fluorescein angiography shows the blood flow of the back of the eye and can identify any areas of possible leakage or blockage.
This test involves an IV injection of fluorescein dye that is then observed in the retinal blood vessels.
Most of the time, this test will require a referral to a retinal specialist clinic.
Visual Field Tests
Another common additional test is an automated visual field. This allows the doctor to precisely map the areas of vision or vision loss.
Conditions like glaucoma, strokes, and macular degeneration can lead to areas of vision loss that are detected on a visual field.
The visual field test involves sitting and looking straight at a central target and then clicking as lights flash in the peripheral vision to determine how far the vision extends and how sensitive it is.
Our eye doctors at GHEye excel in the prescription of glasses, contact lenses and the diagnosis of a variety of eye diseases. Call our optometrists at (571) 445-3692 to schedule your appointment today to be evaluated for eye tests. Our eye doctors, Dr. Ally Stoeger and Dr. Jennifer Sun, provide the highest quality optometry services and eye exams in the Gainesville VA and Haymarket VA areas.
Routine eye tests are an important yearly aspect of maintaining good eye health. However, in addition to a routine eye examination, more specialized tests may be performed to gain additional information about the eyes. These tests are routinely performed in the eye doctor’s office and can help with diagnosing conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy among many others. If any of these extra tests are needed, your eye doctor will discuss what test is needed, why, and when it should be performed and then will discuss the results with you after the test is completed.
Eye Tests That are Always Performed
While there are many additional tests that can be performed if needed, there are several tests that are always performed as a part of a routine eye examination.
These tests include checking the eye pressure, checking the alignment of the eyes, checking the vision in both eyes, and evaluating the health of the front and the back of the eyes.
Each of these is vital to performing a comprehensive eye examination and will be done every year to keep updated on any possible changes.
Additional Tests for the Eyes and Eye Health
These tests are ordered by an eye doctor based on a finding or concern that was noted in the routine eye examination.
Special scans of the back of the eye include an OCT, B scan ultrasound, and fluorescein angiography.
A visual field test is used to detect the limits of peripheral vision and identify any areas of missing vision.
OCT Retinal Scans
An OCT, or optical coherence tomography, is a scan that provides a cross-section view of the retina in the back of the eye.
This test is extremely useful for any eye condition which impacts the retina or optic nerve including glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.
For this test, you simply have to place your chin on a chinrest of the instrument and then look at the internal target.
The instrument uses light rays similar to how an ultrasound uses sound waves to generate a cross-sectional scan of the retina.
In many offices, if an OCT is needed, it can be performed on the same day as a routine eye examination as the test is very quick.
B-Scan Ultrasound
A B scan ultrasound is a small device that can perform ultrasounds directed at the eye.
This is a useful test if there is difficulty seeing the retina from a dense cataract or if there are abnormal changes that need to have the depth measured.
If an office can perform a B scan ultrasound, it will usually require a separate visit as the test is much longer and has a significant amount of prep work.
Fluorescein Angiography
Fluorescein angiography shows the blood flow of the back of the eye and can identify any areas of possible leakage or blockage.
This test involves an IV injection of fluorescein dye that is then observed in the retinal blood vessels.
Most of the time, this test will require a referral to a retinal specialist clinic.
Visual Field Tests
Another common additional test is an automated visual field. This allows the doctor to precisely map the areas of vision or vision loss.
Conditions like glaucoma, strokes, and macular degeneration can lead to areas of vision loss that are detected on a visual field.
The visual field test involves sitting and looking straight at a central target and then clicking as lights flash in the peripheral vision to determine how far the vision extends and how sensitive it is.