What happens during a sight test?
At Taank, there’s no such thing as a cookie-cutter sight test (or eye exam). Each one is tailor-made to fit your needs. That said, it will always include certain elements like an overall eye health check that looks for signs of underlying health conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
A sight test is an essential part of:
- Identifying the early signs of eye disease, which makes it easier to treat
- Keeping your vision clear and comfortable
- Checking for underlying health conditions that show up in the eyes first
- Giving you access to information about eye health and vision
- Introducing you to products and services that will help navigate conditions
We always recommend you have a sight test every two years–more if needed. Your eye exam will consist of five parts:
- History and symptoms
- Eye examination
- Eye health check
- Additional checks
- Further advice
History
Your eye test starts with key questions about your vision, lifestyle, overall health, and any history of eye health problems, including those of close relatives. You’ll need to provide information about prescribed medications, bring your existing glasses with you–if you wear them–or a previous glasses prescription.
Eye exam
Your optometrist uses state-of-the-art technology and the charts of letters and symbols we’re all familiar with to review how well you see close by and further away. They’ll also use a variety of different lenses to skillfully assess whether you need glasses or a new prescription. We’ll ask you a series of simple questions with no right or wrong answers. Just respond as accurately as possible. Your optometrist will also test your eye muscles to ensure everything is working as it should.
Eye health check
Having examined both the inside and outside of your eyes, your optometrist will tell you if they detect signs of disease or injury. Sometimes drops are needed to give them a clearer view of the back of your eye.
Additional checks
Sometimes your optometrist will check your peripheral vision to test for conditions relating to your eyes and the visual part of your brain. You may also have an eye pressure test, which helps detect glaucoma.
Advice
Your optometrist is here to help keep your eyes in great condition. Following your exam, you’ll have the chance to discuss your results and ask questions. They’ll tell you if they’ve found any problems with your eyes, whether you need glasses, and, if so, which type. If anything requires further investigation, we’ll refer you to the eye clinic at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge or another relevant specialist.
Ask an expert
If you haven’t had an eye exam for a while or have one coming up and have questions, make an appointment to speak with an optometrist or call us for more information.
