If you're looking to get your first eye exam done, it helps to know what to expect. Is anything going to be painful or uncomfortable? Well, it's highly unlikely you'll experience any pain during an eye exam. That said, the process might take a while. According to WebMD, an eye exam should take between 45 and 90 minutes. During that time, the doctor will conduct several tests. Read on to find out more.

Medical Documentation

Before the eye doctor performs any tests, they'll first go through your medical history and family history. This is important as it can hint at particular conditions to watch out for. For instance, a history of diabetes means you may be at a higher risk of developing glaucoma. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, diabetes doubles the risk of glaucoma. They'll also find out if anyone in your family has eye problems. Once the history is done, the eye doctor will perform the tests.

Testing

The doctor will conduct several tests to ensure that your eyes are functioning properly. This includes the visual acuity test. This test measures the eye to see if you need contact lenses or glasses to enhance your vision. This is a simple test that involves identifying letters of the alphabet printed on a chart. They'll also conduct a visual field test. This test assesses your peripheral vision. Other tests include the slit-lamp exam, fundus photography, OCT screening, glaucoma screening, and pupil dilation test.

Health Discussions

Once the tests have been conducted, the doctor will discuss your eye health depending on the results of the test. If the tests show that you have problems with your vision, the doctor will likely prescribe contact lenses or glasses. If they see any other issues with your eyes, they'll also discuss the treatment options and tell you what they think would be the best course of action. It's important to take care of your eye health and not ignore problems. Any issues you notice should be addressed as soon as possible. In some instances, the doctor may also give you a follow-up appointment date.

Are you having problems with your eyes? Perhaps you're simply looking for a routine eye exam. It's important to pay attention to the health of your eyes. This starts by getting them checked by an eye doctor. Get in touch with us at Jeffries Eye Care today to set up an appointment.