Kids and adults should both get their eyes checked regularly. It's especially important to schedule and keep all your eye exams as you get older and reach an age when eye problems are more likely to develop. During regular eye exams, optometrists thoroughly evaluate your eye health and visual acuity. Based on their findings, they can recommend treatments to keep your eyes healthy. These are some important parts of your eyes that your eye doctor will check during a routine eye exam.
1. Cornea
The cornea of your eye helps you avoid infections by protecting your eye from bacteria. It is the transparent lens that covers all the other parts of your eye. Corneal damage can occur if you accidentally scratch or cut your eye. Your corneas can also become irritated and red through chronic dryness. During an eye exam, your eye doctor will carefully examine the surface of your cornea to ensure it is free from bacteria, debris, and scratches that need medical attention.
2. Tear Ducts
Your tears help to lubricate your eyes and keep them free of bacteria. Dry eyes are a common problem for many people, but watery eyes can be equally frustrating. When eyes are watery and irritated and allergies and respiratory illnesses are not present, the cause may be a blocked tear duct. Eye doctors may be able to tell if your tear duct is blocked by looking for a bump in or near the corner of your eye. They can also test for a blocked tear duct by pushing a special solution through it.
3. Pupils
Pupils are crucial eye structures that help to give you your sense of sight. Your pupils intake light signals, which are conveyed to your brain and interpreted as images. Your eye doctor will test your pupillary response by shining a light into your eyes and making sure that your pupils contract. They may also dilate your pupils with a special medicated eye drop to see certain parts of your eyes more clearly.
4. Optic Nerve
Finally, your eye doctor will observe the optic nerve located in the back of your eyes. They will do this using a bright light on a device called a slit lamp. This part of your eye exam may be slightly uncomfortable, and your eyes may water due to the brightness. However, it's very important for the prevention of glaucoma, which can cause irreversible blindness if it is not treated.
For more information on adult routine eye exams, contact a company near you.
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