Macular degeneration is a leading cause of vision loss, especially among older adults. Early detection is crucial for managing the condition and preserving eyesight. A comprehensive eye exam is the best way to screen for macular degeneration and other eye diseases. This blog post will walk you through what you can expect during such an exam at a facility like the Millennium Eye Center.
Preliminary Testing: Setting the Stage
Before you see the optometrist, a technician will conduct several preliminary tests. These tests gather baseline information about your vision and eye health. You’ll also be asked about your medical history, including any eye problems, medications, and family history of eye disease. This information is vital for the doctor to understand your individual risk factors.
Some of the preliminary tests you might encounter include:
- Color Vision: Using Ishihara plates to check for color deficiencies.
- Depth Perception: Assessing your ability to perceive depth and three-dimensional vision.
- Auto Refraction & Autokeratometry: Computerized measurements to determine your prescription for glasses or contacts and the curvature of your cornea.
- Corneal Topography: Creating a detailed map of your cornea’s surface, important for contact lens fitting and diagnosing certain conditions.
- Visual Field Screening: A test, sometimes using Frequency Doubling Technology (FDT), to assess your peripheral vision and screen for glaucoma.
- Lensometry: Measuring your current eyeglass prescription.
- Tonometry: Measuring the pressure inside your eye to screen for glaucoma, often using a “soft touch” method that replaces the traditional “puff of air” test.
The Comprehensive Exam: A Deeper Look
The optometrist will then perform a series of tests to evaluate your vision and eye health. These tests may include:
- Visual Acuity Test: Reading letters on an eye chart to determine the sharpness of your vision.
- Eye Muscle Movement Test: Assessing how well your eyes move and work together.
- Cover Test: Checking for eye misalignment (strabismus).
- Confrontation Visual Field Exam: A basic check of your peripheral vision.
- External Exam & Pupillary Reactions: Examining the external structures of your eyes and how your pupils respond to light.
- Retinoscopy/Refraction Testing: Refining your prescription for glasses or contacts.
- Slit-lamp Exam: Using a specialized microscope to examine the front structures of your eye, including the cornea, iris, and lens.
- Retinal Examination (Ophthalmoscopy): Examining the retina, blood vessels, optic nerve, and vitreous humor at the back of your eye. This is a critical step in detecting macular degeneration. Often, pupil dilation is necessary for a thorough retinal exam.
- Glaucoma Testing: Further assessment of eye pressure, if needed.
- Pupil Dilation: Using eye drops to widen your pupils, allowing for a better view of the internal structures of your eyes, especially the retina and optic nerve. This is very important for a thorough macular degeneration screening.
Macular Degeneration Screening: What the Doctor Looks For
During the retinal exam, the doctor will look for specific signs of macular degeneration, such as:
- Drusen: Yellow deposits under the retina. While some drusen are normal, larger or more numerous drusen can be an early sign of macular degeneration.
- Changes in the Macula: The macula is the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. The doctor will look for any changes in its appearance.
After the Exam: Diagnosis and Treatment
After the exam, the optometrist will discuss the results with you and explain any diagnoses. If macular degeneration is detected, they will discuss treatment options and recommend a follow-up schedule. Early detection and treatment are crucial for slowing the progression of macular degeneration and preserving your vision.
Don’t Delay: Schedule Your Comprehensive Eye Exam Today
Regular comprehensive eye exams are essential for maintaining good eye health and detecting conditions like macular degeneration early. If you are experiencing any vision changes, or if you are over the age of 60, it’s especially important to schedule an eye exam with an eye care professional. Protecting your vision is an investment in your overall well-being.
Millennium Eye Center is a leading provider of comprehensive eye care in the Orlando area. Our experienced team of optometrists can help you manage your astigmatism and achieve optimal eye health.
Whether the best choice is glasses, contacts, or other treatment, we understand that the optimal vision correction solution is one that’s tailored to each individual patient. To schedule an appointment with our Eye Expert, Dr. Lauretta Justin, click HERE or text us at 407-292-9812.
Thank you for choosing us as your family’s partners in lifelong vision health. We treasure the trust you place in our practice!
Top image used is a License-free image from Pixabay.
Disclaimer: The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
