Eye Exam

Overview

An eye exam is a check of your eyes and vision. It can be done by an optometrist (an eye care professional who tests sight) or by an eye doctor. The exam looks for problems with how well you see and with the health of your eyes. It is not a treatment itself. It helps find issues early so they can be managed.

Yes. Eye exams are very common. Many people have them every one to two years, and some people need them more often.

Everyone can benefit from an eye exam. They are especially important for children, older adults, people with diabetes or high blood pressure, people with a family history of eye disease, and anyone who notices changes in their vision.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Blurred vision or trouble seeing clearly, even with glasses or contact lenses
• Headaches or eye strain after reading, using a screen, or driving
• Squinting, rubbing your eyes, or needing more light to see
• Red, dry, itchy, or watery eyes
• Trouble telling colours apart or seeing at night
• New floaters (small specks or cobweb shapes) or flashes of light

Symptoms in children

• Squinting or holding books, toys, or screens very close
• Sitting close to the TV or moving closer to see the board at school
• Rubbing eyes often, or eyes that look crossed or turn in or out
• Complaining of headaches or tired eyes after schoolwork
• Trouble with schoolwork, reading, or sports that seems linked to vision
• A teacher or health visitor raising a concern about vision

Symptoms in older adults

• Gradual blurring or needing brighter light to read
• Trouble seeing at night or while driving
• More floaters, flashes, or a change in side vision
• Dry, gritty, or tired eyes
• Falls or balance problems that may be linked to poor vision
• Noticing that colours look faded or less bright

Causes

Main causes

• Refractive errors, such as short-sightedness, long-sightedness, or astigmatism
• Age-related eye changes, such as cataracts or dry eye
• Glaucoma (a condition that can damage the optic nerve, often without early symptoms)
• Diabetic eye disease or other effects of long-term health conditions
• Eye infections, allergies, or inflammation
• Eye injury or exposure to chemicals or harmful light
• Some medicines or health conditions that can affect the eyes

Risk factors

• Getting older
• A family history of glaucoma, macular disease, or other eye problems
• Diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol
• Being very short-sighted
• Smoking
• Long periods using screens without breaks
• Previous eye injury or eye surgery
• Certain jobs or sports with a risk of eye injury
• Some medicines that can affect vision or eye pressure

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have sudden vision loss or a sudden change in vision
• You have severe eye pain, a red painful eye, or light hurts your eyes
• You see new flashes, many new floaters, or a curtain across your vision
• You have an eye injury, or something got into your eye
• You have double vision that is new
• You have swelling, discharge, or pain around your eye that is getting worse

Book a routine appointment if:

• Your vision has slowly become blurred or less clear
• You get headaches, eye strain, or tired eyes with reading or screens
• You need new glasses or contact lenses, or your current ones do not feel right
• You have diabetes or a family history of eye disease and are due a check
• Your child has signs of vision trouble at home or school
• You are over 60 or your optician has asked to see you again

Diagnosis

An eye exam is how vision and eye health are checked. In the UK, most routine eye exams are done by an optometrist (also called an optician). Your GP may refer you to an eye clinic if needed. The exam is usually painless. The eye care professional will ask about your vision, health, medicines, and family history, then carry out simple tests.

Tests that may be done

• Visual acuity test: reading letters on a chart to check how clear your vision is
• Refraction test: trying different lenses to see if glasses or contact lenses would help
• Eye movement and pupil checks: watching how your eyes move and react to light
• Slit lamp exam: looking closely at the front of your eye with a special light and microscope
• Ophthalmoscopy or fundoscopy: looking at the back of your eye, including the retina
• Tonometry: checking the pressure inside your eye
• Visual field test: checking your side vision
• Colour vision test: checking how well you see colours
• OCT scan or retinal photography: taking detailed pictures of the back of the eye in some cases

What to expect at your appointment

A routine eye exam often takes about 20 to 40 minutes. You may be given eye drops to widen your pupils so the back of your eye can be seen. These drops can blur your vision and make bright light uncomfortable for a few hours. Ask whether you should arrange a lift home or avoid driving. Bring your glasses or contact lenses, a list of your medicines, and any questions you want to ask.

Treatment

An eye exam does not treat eye problems by itself. It helps your eye care team work out what is happening and what support, if any, you need. Treatment depends on what is found. Many people only need glasses, contact lenses, or regular checks. Others may need eye drops, medicines, laser treatment, or surgery.

Self-care at home

• Bring your glasses or contact lenses and a list of your medicines to the exam
• Ask whether you can drive after the exam, especially if drops are used
• Write down questions before you go, and ask for clear explanations
• Follow any advice about follow-up appointments or referrals
• Use good lighting and take regular breaks from screens
• Wear safety glasses for DIY, sports, or work that could hurt your eyes

Medical treatments

Treatment may include glasses or contact lenses, eye drops, medicines taken by mouth, laser treatment, injections into the eye, or surgery. Your eye care team will explain the options, the possible benefits, and the risks. They will also tell you if watchful waiting and regular checks are the best choice. No single treatment is right for everyone.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery may be considered for some eye problems, such as cataracts, certain types of glaucoma, retinal problems, a squint, or eye injuries. Not every eye problem needs surgery. Your specialist will discuss whether surgery could help and what it involves.

Living with this condition

Most people leave an eye exam with simple next steps, such as wearing glasses, using eye drops, or booking a follow-up. If you are given a new prescription, give yourself a few days to get used to it. Keep your appointments and tell your eye care team if your vision changes.

Lifestyle tips

• Stop smoking, or ask for help to stop; it helps protect your eyes and blood vessels
• Wear sunglasses that block harmful UV light when it is bright
• Take screen breaks and use good lighting for reading
• Wear protective eyewear for DIY, sports, and hazardous work
• Manage health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure with your healthcare team
• Keep up with routine eye checks, especially if you have risk factors

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet and regular physical activity support your general health, including the blood vessels in your eyes. Aim for plenty of vegetables and fruit, and choose healthy fats. Exercise in a way that suits you. If you have diabetes, keeping blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol in your target range is an important part of eye care.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

It is normal to feel worried if you notice vision changes or are waiting for exam results. Talking to your eye care team can help you understand what is happening. If worry is affecting your sleep, mood, or daily life, tell your GP or nurse. If you ever feel overwhelmed or have thoughts of harming yourself, contact your local crisis support service or emergency services right away.

Prevention

Not all eye problems can be prevented, but regular eye exams can find problems early, when treatment often works best. You can also lower your risk by protecting your eyes from injury and UV light, not smoking, and managing health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

Vaccines

Routine vaccines do not prevent most eye conditions. Keeping up with recommended vaccinations can help prevent some infections that may affect the eyes. Ask your healthcare provider what is recommended for you.

Screening programmes

Regular eye exams are the main screening test for vision and eye health. Many adults have an eye exam every two years, or more often if advised. In the UK, free NHS sight tests are available for some groups, such as children under 16, people over 60, and people with certain medical conditions. Ask your optician what applies to you. Children may also have vision checks with a health visitor or at school.

Complications

If left untreated

• Vision problems may go unnoticed and become harder to manage
• Glaucoma or diabetic eye disease may cause damage before you notice symptoms
• Children may struggle at school if vision problems are not found
• Poor vision can increase the risk of falls and driving problems
• Some eye conditions can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated early

Long-term outlook

Most eye problems found early can be managed or treated. Regular eye exams are one of the best ways to protect your sight. Even if you need ongoing care, there are many ways to support your vision and daily life. Your eye care team can help you make a plan that fits you.

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