Different Kinds of Eye Test Practiced Commonly in Eye Clinics

The eyes are very precious and delicate organs of the human body that demand utmost care. In the case of any problem in the vision of a person, he should immediately visit an eye specialist for proper treatment. He will conduct a clinical eye test to detect the actual reason that is causing the eye problem. Now, many latest equipments are used for examining the condition of eyes. Generally, glaucoma, astigmatism, visionary problems, and high level of vision-related inaccuracy for children give them the reason why they would go for an eye test.

Eye Test

Clinical Eye Test That Can Detect Eye Problems

• Corneal topography - This clinical eye test is also termed as Keratometry, which is used for detecting the curvature of the cornea. Usually, this test is conducted in the case of swelling of the eyes or blurred vision. As the cornea is the transparent outer layer of an eye, any irregularity in it can cause a problem for the eye lens embedded inside. Hence, the light is focused on the cornea in a circular form and its reflection is measured by the computer, to find the exact measurement of the corneal curve, which makes it easier for people to opt for a lens.

• Vision acuity test - The doctor checks the visual capability of a patient by asking him to read the alphabet printed in different sizes on a large chart, which is termed the Snellen chart. Usually, the large-sized alphabets are printed on the upper lines and gradually the sizes of the alphabets decrease towards the bottom of the chart. Now, the doctor makes a patient look through a device called Phoropter, on which he puts lenses of different powers, to find exactly which lens makes him most comfortable in reading the chart. This eye test is very effective in checking distant vision while near vision is tested by placing a card with similarly printed letters. However, this does not work much if one suffers from diabetic retinopathy and the eye tests and follow-up examinations differ accordingly in those matters.

• Refraction of the lens - Generally, when a light ray enters through the cornea and reaches the eye lens, it is refracted through the lens to hit the backside of the eye for forming the vision. In the case of any refractive error in the lens, the patient will experience a visual problem. Now, the computerized refractor is used for this kind of eye test, to accurately assess the power prescribed for eyeglasses or lenses needed for correcting the refractive error. Retinoscopy is another useful optical method of checking the refractive problem, which is done by passing a ray of bright light through the eye. As the light is refracted through the lens and then reflected by the retina, its movement is measured with a computer.

• Tonometry for Glaucoma - Tonometry is the recommended eye test for this diagnosis, which checks whether the fluid pressure is above the normal level in the eye. Applanation tonometry is conducted with a device called a tonometer that exerts pressure on the cornea to flatten it to some extent and measures that pressure, after applying anaesthesia to the eyes. Noncontact tonometry is conducted by passing a rush of air into the eye, without touching the eyes and thus, anaesthesia is not needed in this case.

Different other clinical tests are also applied for detecting various eye problems, among which colour vision tests, slit-lamp tests, retinal tests, and dilated pupillary tests are known to be useful eye test conducted by all eye specialists. There are also cases called strabismus or crossed eyes that need correction, and for that also, a well-defined eye test is necessary.