Medical Eye Exam - Atlanta Georgia

The examination will include assessment of the ocular muscles to determine any strabismus (eye crossing) or weakness that may be contributing to a patient's visual fatigue, difficulty reading or maintaining focus on the computer. Pupillary function is also tested to determine if the patient has any signs of neurologic disfunction such as early tumors, trauma or congential anomolies. A complete refraction is also performed to determine the patient's needed prescription for best visual acuity at distance and near, including any corrections for astigmatism that may be required.

Next, a slit lamp or biomicroscope is used by the doctor to examine the external structures of the eye including the lids, conjunctiva, and cornea. The doctor is looking for any signs of abnormal growths on the tissue, infection, inflammation, or secondary eye disease. Special handheld condensing lenses may also be used to examine the interior of the eye. This may be done in order to examine the patient for any signs of early cataracts, vitreal floaters or macular disease. Sometimes dilation is required to see the structures of the eye in more detail. This is always recommended but the patient may reschedule this portion of the exam to a later day if they are unable to be dilated on the day of the appointment. Dilation is absolutely necessary in cases of excessive floaters, loss of vision, chronic headaches, flashing lights, family history of glaucoma, elevated intraocular pressure, diabetes or hypertension, and other systemic diseases known to cause retinal damage.

At the conclusion of the examination, the doctor will review your test results, explain any abnormal findings, relate these to your visual prognosis, and make recommendations regarding further treatment. Your options for vision correction will be explained in detail and a prescription will be released to you. If the patient has any questions or concerns, the doctor will also address them at this time.