Discover the diagnostic tests used during an Eye Examination. From the visual acuity chart to digital retinal imaging, learn how specialists evaluate your sight.
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
Diagnosis and Tests
The diagnostic process begins with a visual acuity test. This is the familiar chart with rows of letters that get smaller toward the bottom. The specialist asks you to read the smallest line possible with each eye individually. This test measures the sharpness of your central vision at a standard distance. It provides a baseline “score,” such as 20/20, which clinicians use to track any changes over time. If you cannot read the chart clearly, it indicates that further refractive or medical testing is needed to find the cause of the blur.
A refractive eye examination is a detailed process to find your perfect lens prescription. The clinician uses a device called a phoropter, which contains hundreds of different lens combinations. By asking you to compare different settings, the specialist fine-tunes the correction for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
In modern clinics, this may also involve an autorefractor, a machine that automatically measures how light reflects off your retina. Combining these methods ensures that your final prescription is comfortable and provides the highest possible level of clarity.
Visual field testing is used to measure your peripheral (side) vision. You will be asked to look into a machine and click a button whenever you see a small light flash in different areas of your vision.
This test is vital because many diseases start by damaging the peripheral vision while leaving the central vision sharp, making the loss invisible to the patient without formal mapping.
Tonometry is the diagnostic test used to measure the internal pressure of your eye. There are several ways this can be done, including a gentle puff of air or a small probe that lightly touches the surface of the eye after numbing drops are applied.
This is a core part of an eye examination glaucoma check. Regular pressure monitoring is the most effective way to catch high-risk patients before they suffer vision loss.
The slit lamp is a high-powered microscope with a bright, focused beam of light. It allows the specialist to see the structures of your eye in three dimensions at high magnification.
This test is essential for identifying physical abnormalities on the front and middle sections of the eye that are invisible to the naked eye.
To see the very back of the eye, the specialist will often use dilating drops to widen your pupils. Once the eye is “open,” the clinician uses a specialized lens to examine the retina, the macula, and the optic nerve. This is where the most critical health information is found. Dilation allows the doctor to look for signs of diabetes, high blood pressure, and retinal tears. While it makes your vision sensitive to light for a few hours, it is the only way to perform a truly comprehensive medical checkup of the interior eye.
Modern clinics often use digital fundus cameras to take high-resolution photographs of the back of your eye. These images provide a permanent record of your retinal health.
Specialists use these photos to show patients exactly what is happening in their eyes, making it easier to understand the need for treatment or lifestyle changes.
OCT is an advanced imaging technology that uses light waves to take cross-sectional pictures of your retina. It is similar to an ultrasound but uses light instead of sound to provide much higher resolution.
At Liv Hospital, we use OCT to detect microscopic changes long before they are visible during a standard physical exam, allowing for earlier and more effective intervention.
Color vision tests determine if you have a deficiency in perceiving certain colors, often using charts with hidden numbers made of colored dots. Stereopsis testing measures your depth perception—how well your eyes work together to see in three dimensions. These tests are especially important during a children eye examination, as poor depth perception can affect sports performance and hand-eye coordination. They also help identify certain rare optic nerve diseases in adults that may affect color sensitivity before they affect clarity.
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
They include vision, focusing, alignment, and structural assessments.
It is often used for comprehensive internal evaluation.
No. It supports and enhances clinical findings.
No. Testing is tailored to individual needs.
Yes. Many changes are found early through testing.
Can you cure uveitis? This is the ultimate treatment guide, exploring powerful medical options and essential steps for lasting relief. Uveitis is a serious eye
Uveitis is a complex inflammatory condition affecting millions worldwide. It is the leading cause of vision loss among working-age populations. Timely and effective uveitis therapy is key.
Uveitis is a disease that causes inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye. It can lead to eye pain, redness, and vision
Anterior disease includes many medical conditions that affect important body parts. These need quick diagnosis and expert care to avoid serious problems. At Liv Hospital, we combine
Don’t ignore these 7 alarming uveitis symptoms. This essential guide explains eye inflammation and what you must do to protect your vision. We’re here to
How do you know if you have eye inflammation? This guide reveals 7 critical signs you can’t afford to ignore. Get the essential facts now.
Leave your phone number and our medical team will call you back to discuss your healthcare needs and answer all your questions.
Your Comparison List (you must select at least 2 packages)
