Medical App & Medical Advice with Hello Doctor

What happens during an eye check-up?

Reading, writing and researching is part of being a student. It’s great for your future career, but it’s going to take its toll on your eyes – when was the last time you had your eyes tested?

Where to start

If you’ve never had an eye test before, you’ll need to make an appointment with an eye examination specialist (an optometrist.)

Before you go (whether you’ve had an eye check-up before or not), it’s important to be able to tell them about your eye health – for example: tell them if you’ve been suffering from symptoms such as:

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Eye fatigue

The more they know, the easier it is for them to give you a detailed diagnosis.

How an eye test works

Before the test

  • The optometrist will ask you about your eye health. This includes questions about your overall medical and vision history.
  • If you have glasses or contacts, bring them with so that they can see your current prescription.

The test

  • The inner and outer part of your eyes will be examined to best determine your eye health.
  • A torch (called an ophthalmoscope) is shone through the pupil to check for any defects/medical conditions.
  • Your long distance and short distance vision will be tested. This shows the optometrist exactly what type of prescription for glasses or contact lenses may be needed.
  • The coordination of your vision will also be tested to make sure that you’re not suffering from eye strain.
  • Depending on the test results, the optometrist may also recommend a few other tests to confirm any suspicions that they may have.

After the Test

  • The optometrist will explain the results of the tests and recommend the best solutions – such as prescribing glasses or contact lenses.
  • You may also be told that your eyes are perfect and that no further tests are required.
  • Finally, if they have found a medical condition such as cataracts, glaucoma or age-related sight degeneration, surgery may be the best course of treatment. If this is the case, you’ll be referred to an ophthalmologist (a medical doctor, specialising in eye care) who will discuss the possible surgical procedures.

To take care of your eyes, try to take enough short breaks inbetween studying, to give the muscles in your eye a rest. This way, they will last you until old age!

Sources: WebMD, Look After Your Eyes