Comprehensive Eye Exam

What does a comprehensive eye exam include?

Whether or not you have any problems with your vision, checking your eye pressure, retina and visual acuity is an important part of looking after your eye health. The scope of the exam depends on your symptoms and findings; the steps below describe the general flow.

1. Visual acuity and glasses prescription: Your distance and near visual acuity are measured, and your glasses prescription is assessed.
2. Eye pressure: Your eye pressure (intraocular pressure) is measured. If needed, further tests such as a visual field test and nerve fiber analysis are planned.
3. Anterior segment examination: The eyelids, cornea, iris and lens of the eye are examined with a slit-lamp biomicroscope. Cataract and corneal diseases are assessed at this stage.
4. Retinal examination: If needed, the pupils are dilated with eye drops so that the retina, macula and optic nerve can be examined.
5. Discussing the results: Your findings are explained to you, and if follow-up or treatment is needed, the plan is agreed together.

When should you have an eye exam?

• Blurred vision or a glasses prescription that keeps changing
• A family history of glaucoma or retinal disease
• Regular check-ups for people with diabetes
• Difficulty seeing up close after the age of 40
• In children: an eye that turns or drifts (strabismus), squinting to see, or trouble seeing the board at school
• Anyone who wants a regular check-up, even without symptoms

Which conditions can an eye exam detect?

A comprehensive eye exam measures refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia) and assesses conditions such as cataract, glaucoma, keratoconus, dry eye, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. Because some of these diseases can progress for a long time without symptoms, regular eye exams are an essential step toward early diagnosis.

Preparing for your exam

• Bring your glasses, if you wear them, and any previous eye reports.
• Prepare a list of the medicines you take.
• If you wear contact lenses, ask before your appointment how long you should stop wearing them.
• Because your pupils may be dilated, you are advised not to drive after the exam, so it is a good idea to bring someone with you.

Your examination, measurements and follow-up are carried out by Dr. Murat Ün. If you have private health insurance, we can confirm your policy coverage together before your appointment.