Our Services /About Eye Screening

What is eye screening?

Eye screening is an all-inclusive group of tests conducted by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. These tests assess your vision as well as the health and function of your eyes. By scheduling routine eye screenings, it’s possible to catch potentially serious conditions early on, when they’re most responsive to treatment.

How do I prepare for an eye screening?

There’s no special preparation required for an eye screening. Still, you may want to have a friend or family member pick you up after the appointment. 

Eye screening requires dilation, which can make your eyes sensitive to light. If you don’t have someone available, bring a pair of sunglasses to your appointment. If you don’t have sunglasses, the team at Network Eye will provide you with eye protectors.

What happens during an eye screening?

At Network Eye, an eye screening begins with a review of your eye history, including:

• A discussion of your vision problems
• Any corrective methods you use, like glasses or contact lenses
• A discussion of your general health
• A discussion of your family’s health history

If you take any prescription medication, vitamins, or supplements, make sure to let your provider know. 

Next, your Network Eye provider conducts a series of tests, including a visual acuity test and a refraction test. These procedures assess your vision and help your provider diagnose refractive errors like farsightedness or nearsightedness.

Afterward, your doctor uses special eye drops to dilate your eyes, making your pupils larger. This allows your provider to examine your retina and the other structures at the back of your eye.

Depending on your symptoms and medical history, your provider might also recommend:

• A slit lamp exam
• A color blindness test
• Examination of your pupils and optic nerve
• Tonometry (a test that diagnosis glaucoma)

At the end of the exam, your provider makes recommendations that align with your needs. That might mean a new prescription for glasses or contacts or a more complex procedure like treatment of advanced macular degeneration.

Why is eye screening important?

Everyone’s vision changes throughout their life. By participating in regular eye screenings, it’s possible to keep your eyes healthy and reduce the risk of potentially serious complications. Regular eye exams can even alert you to underlying health problems, like high blood pressure or diabetes.

Don’t wait to schedule an eye screening at Network Eye. Call the office today, or click the online booking feature.