Comprehensive Eye Exams at BC Eyefitters are beyond just checking if a patient can see the 20/20 line. We start with preliminary testing of a patient’s binocular vision. This includes cover testing, accommodative testing, stereopsis, extraocular muscle range of motion and pupils.

After that the doctor performs a refraction with our digital equipment to determine what prescription lenses will provide a clear precise image at a distance and then tests that at near, as well.

Once we’ve determined a glasses prescription, the doctor will move on to eye health. Eye health encompasses many things starting with the eyelid and eyelid margins. Next the doctor will examine the conjunctiva of the inner eyelid and the tissue that overlies the sclera. The cornea is a complex structure that consists of 3 layers: the outer epithelial layer, the middle stromal layer, and the inner endothelial layer. The iris is then examined and then the crystalline lens of the eye. The crystalline lens is where cataracts form as we age but many of us can also have congenital cataracts or opacities. All these structures are examined under high magnification with a slit lamp to look for any abnormality or disease. This concludes most of the external eye health examination.

Next the doctor will use an additional high magnification or condensing lens to view the internal ocular structures. This includes the vitreous which is the gel like structure that fills the inside of our eyes. Then the optic nerve which is the direct extension from our brain used to conduct the light waves detected from our retinas to the visual cortex. The optic nerve is also where glaucoma develops. Every patient that is examined is screened for glaucoma. Next is the macula. This is a pinpoint spot in the back of the eye that is part of our retina. The macula is responsible to our finest detail, color vision. This is the part of the eye that we use to see those tiny 20/20 letters. Then, there is the rest of the peripheral retina and vascular system. Early systemic disease like diabetes, hypertension, and even leukemias can often be detected by viewing the small blood vessels that nourish our retinas and other ocular structures.

In addition to physically viewing the retina in vivo, we also perform a retinal screening photo that gives us high detail views of the retina for all of our patients. This helps the doctor document any existing abnormalities and also monitor for changes over time.

As you can probably tell, our eye exams are very unlike a casual vision screening at a primary care doctor’s or pediatrician’s office. This process is beyond more than the “vision tests” offered by online retailers. We don’t rush our eye exams because we care truly care about every aspect of our patient’s vision and eye health. Be seen at BC Eyefitters to experience the difference.