What's The Difference Between an Eye Examination Test and an Eye Health Exam

 


Eye examination tests and eye health exams are crucial steps in maintaining optimal eye health or preventing existing conditions from deteriorating. An optometrist can detect signs of worsening eyesight and the development of eye diseases. However, that's not all. Good vision is fundamental to mental and physical ability as well as overall quality of life. 

You might have been told to go for an eye exam or test at least once a year. If you have yet to take that advice to heart, this blog is for you. Continue reading to learn more about the difference between an eye examination test and an eye health exam, and how often to go for one.

What is an Eye Health Exam?

The purpose of an eye health exam is to check vision and the health of the entire visual system, as well as assess or update your prescription. Eye exams can only be conducted by a licensed optometrist. They will review your medical records and results from previous eye exams and use this information to detect eye diseases and prevent the deterioration of your overall health. 

An eye exam provides more accurate results as a trained optometrist performs them. They are the most reliable way to assess visual needs and detect diseases such as glaucoma, retinal detachment, and diabetic retinopathy. As eye health exams are considerably more comprehensive than eye tests, they comprise several steps:

  • Review of medical history and past records: Your optometrist will compare your current and past eye exam results and family history to assess your current eye health. They may also advise you on how to prevent future eye health issues. 
  • Evaluation of current visual needs: Your optometrist will conduct a thorough check of your current prescription needs.
  • Assessment of the entire optical system: This includes examining both the inside and outside of the eyes and checking eye coordination, depth perception, eye movement, overall vision, and even neurological health.
  • Eye disorder screenings: This includes testing for diseases such as glaucoma, retinal detachment, and diabetic retinopathy.
  • Eye test: The last step is an eye test, performed to determine potential treatment options, including prescriptions.

When should you get an eye health exam?

The majority of vision-threatening diseases have minimal or no symptoms until it's too late. However, an optometrist can spot these developing issues in an early stage when it may still be possible to reverse them. Therefore, getting an eye exam every year is crucial to maintaining optimal eye health and preventing eye diseases.

What is an Eye Examination Test?

An eye test is performed by an optometrist as part of a routine eye exam. The primary purpose of an eye examination test is to determine the patient's prescription lens power. 

Your optometrist may use a combination of vision technology, computerised tests, and automated instruments to perform an eye examination test. However, eye tests don't necessarily need to be performed by an eye specialist as they don't require any special training. 

Eye tests are not as accurate or comprehensive as an eye health exam. They may even produce doubtful results. Hence, they are not considered suitable for detecting health problems and diseases. However, that doesn't mean it doesn't serve any purpose. As mentioned above, an eye test is used to check the prescription lens power a patient needs.  

Unless you are replacing your annual eye exams with eye examination tests, there is no harm in getting an eye test done for your prescription needs. If you find a significant difference between your last and latest eye exam results, contact a trusted optometrist to confirm that the results are accurate. 

When should you get an eye examination test?

For some people, their prescriptions may change every year. While for others, it may take two to three years for their prescription to change. If you have been using spectacles or contact lenses for a long time, you might have already figured out a pattern. If you are unsure about how often you should get an eye examination test, consult your optometrist, as needs can vary widely from person to person. Salisbury Optometrist is one of the best eye specialists, providing both eye examination tests and comprehensive eye health exams. 

Conclusion

Regular eye examination tests and eye health exams play an integral role in maintaining optimal vision and preventing diseases. An eye health exam is a comprehensive assessment of your vision health and tests for diseases such as glaucoma, retinal detachment, and diabetic retinopathy. An eye examination test is performed to determine the patient's prescription lens power. However, they tend to be less accurate than a comprehensive eye health exam. 

Salisbury Optometrics is well-reputed as one of the best eye specialists providing eye test and exam services. If you notice any changes in your vision, consult an optometrist as soon as possible.
Location: 88 John St, Salisbury SA 5108, Australia

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