Examination Components and Diagnostic Testing
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Comprehensive Medical History
The eye doctor will take a detailed medical history, including any current eye problems, systemic health conditions (such a diabetes or hypertension), medications, family history of eye diseases, and lifestyle factors that might affect eye health.
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Visual Acuity Test
Measures the clarity of your vision using an eye chart, assessing how well you can see at various distances. This helps identify any refractive errors that need correction.
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Refraction Assessment
Determines the precise prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses by measuring how light rays are focused by your eyes.
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Slit-Lamp Examination
Utilizes a special microscope to examine the front structures of your eye, including the eyelids, cornea, conjunctiva, iris and lens. This helps identify issues such as cataracts, corneal ulcers, inflammation, etc.
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Dilated Fundus Examination
Involves dilating your pupils with eye drops to get a detailed view of the retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels at the back of the eye. This is crucial for detecting conditions like diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, retinal detachment, glaucoma, among other ocular conditions.
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Tonometry
Measures the intraocular pressue (IOP) within your eyes to screen for glaucoma, a condition that can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss if untreated
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Visual Field Test
Assesses the range and sensitivity of your peripheral vision, which can be affected by conditions such as glaucoma, stroke, or brain tumors.
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Ocular Coherence Tomography (OCT)
Uses light waves to take cross-sectional images of the retina, allowing for detailed examination of the retinal layers and early detection of retinal diseases.
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Fundus Photography
Captures detailed images of the retina, optic disc, and blood vessels, providing a permanent record that can be used for monitoring changes over time.
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Corneal Topography
Maps the curvature of the cornea’s surface, useful for diagnosing conditions like keratoconus or planning refractive surgery.
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Gonioscopy
Examines the drainage system of the eye, which is important in diagnosing and managing different types of glaucoma.
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Blood Vessel Analysis
Evaluates the blood vessels in the retina for signs of systemic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, or atherosclerosis.
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Consultation and Management Plan
The eye doctor will discuss the findings of the exam, provide a diagnosis, and outline a treatment or management plan. This may include medications, surgical option, lifestyle changes, or regular monitoring.