 |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
 |
|
||||||||||
|
THE EYE EXAMINATION
First of all, we discuss any problems you might have with your eyesight and general health. Many eye conditions are health-related and it is important that you let us know if you are taking any medicines as these may affect your vision. To assess your visual needs, we also discuss your work and leisure activities. SPECTACLES ASSESSMENT If you already wear spectacles or contact lenses, you should bring these to your appointment. We will then check the lenses to establish their type, optical power, and how well you can see with them. REFRACTION This part of the examination finds out whether you need an optical prescription and, if so, which lenses give you the best vision. We check your near vision (for reading), your distance vision (for driving or TV) and your intermediate vision (for hobbies or computer work). These refraction tests will reveal if you are short-sighted, long-sighted, presbyopic or have astigmatism. As everyone's vision changes over time you may experience one or more of the above conditions. However all can be corrected with spectacles or contact lenses. OCULOMOTOR BALANCE It is important that your eye muscles work together. This test checks that both your eyes are co-ordinated and that you have comfortable vision at all distances. PUPIL REFLEXES The pupil controls the amount of light reaching the retina at the back of your eye and so affects images seen by the brain. An unusual pupil reflex may indicate neurological problems.
This test measures the pressure inside your eyes. Too much pressure can indicate glaucoma, a disease which eventually leads to blindness if untreated. The test is usually carried out on people over 40 or those with glaucoma in the family. The results are evaluated in conjunction with a visual field test and ophthalmoscopy. VISUAL FIELD TEST Testing your all-round vision can detect glaucoma and other neurological conditions. Particular attention is paid to your peripheral vision as losing your field of vision is one of the main signs of glaucoma. OPHTHALMOSCOPY This is a very important part of the examination because it checks the health of your eyes. Using a hand-held instrument called an ophthalmoscope, a light is shone through your pupil into the eye. This enables us to see the internal parts clearly, such as your lens, retina and optic nerve, and so check for problems like diabetes, cataracts, hypertension, glaucoma and macular degeneration. RETINAL PHOTOGRAPHY Here our practitioner will take a photograph of the back of your eye using a Digital Retinal Camera, allowing us to carry out a more detailed check for glaucoma, diabetes, age related macular degeneration and other conditions. The procedure is comfortable and the image captured in seconds using flash photography, nothing touches your eyes. VISUAL ASSESSMENT When your eye examination is finished, we'll give you an explanation of your vision and your eye-health, plus a copy of your optical prescription. We'll then recommend a time for your next eye examination based on your visual needs. Our practitioner will also be happy to answer any questions you may have about your eyesight and the examination. EXAMINATION FEES Barraclough and Stiles Opticians offer both NHS and private sight tests. Our full private eye examination fee is £25.00, or just £40.00 including retinal photography. Many people are now entitled to free eye examinations under the NHS and you are eligible if you belong to one of the groups listed below. You may also qualify for NHS help with the cost of your glasses or contact lenses, so please ask us for further details. FREE NHS EYE EXAMINATIONS
|
![[eye chart image]](global/eyechart.gif)
