Many people feel a little pressure when they sit in the exam chair and prepare to read an eye chart. However, a vision test is really about working together with your eye doctor to get a clear and accurate understanding of your vision. In fact, regular exams can help detect signs of many different conditions.
There are no tricks or secret methods to acing an eye exam. The best way to “pass” an eye vision test is to help your eye doctor get the most accurate picture of your vision and eye health.
Know What to Expect at Your Eye Exam
An eye vision test measures how clearly you see things at different distances. It also helps us determine if you can benefit from glasses or contacts.
An eye exam, on the other hand, is a comprehensive checkup of your overall eye health. This includes a vision test.
The Visual Acuity Test
This is the classic part of the exam where you read letters from a Snellen chart. You’ll cover one eye at a time and read the smallest line of letters you can see clearly. This test measures your sharpness of vision, which we record as a fraction like 20/20.
Other Common Eye Health Checks
We’ll also check other important aspects of your vision. These tests can include evaluating your color vision, depth perception, and eye muscle movements. We also look at the internal and external health of your eyes for any signs of developing conditions.
How to Prepare Before Your Appointment
You don’t need to study for a vision test, but a few simple steps can help the exam go smoothly. Taking a little time to prepare can help us get a more precise reading of your vision. Following some tips on what to do before an eye exam sets you up for a comfortable and productive visit.
Give Your Eyes a Rest
If you spend hours per day looking at a computer or phone, you might experience symptoms of computer vision syndrome. On the day of your appointment, try to limit your screen time before you come in. Well-rested eyes often provide a more accurate measurement of your vision.
Consider Your Caffeine Intake
Caffeine can sometimes have a temporary effect on your eyes’ ability to focus. While everyone reacts differently, it can be a good idea to be mindful of your coffee or tea consumption before your exam. This can help avoid any temporary fluctuations in your vision.
Bring Your Current Glasses & Contacts
Please bring your current prescription eyewear with you to the appointment. We will want to check your prescription and see how well it’s working for you.
What to Do During the Vision Test
During the exam, our main goal is to find out what your vision is truly like. Being calm and open during the process helps your optometrist get the information they need. The test itself is for your benefit.
Relax & Breathe
An eye exam is a routine health check, not a performance that you’re being graded on. Take your time, breathe normally, and try not to feel rushed. Blinking as you normally would helps keep your eyes comfortable and prevents strain.
Be Honest About What You See
Don’t try to guess or strain to read a letter if it’s blurry. It’s much more helpful for you to tell us when things are unclear. Your honest answers are what allow us to find the exact prescription that will help you see your best, and we’ll let you know if your eyeglass prescription needs an update.
Common Questions About Vision & Eye Tests
It’s normal to have questions about your vision and what happens during an exam. Here are a few answers to common questions we hear.
What Is 20/20 Vision?
The term 20/20 describes what is considered normal vision. It means that from 20 feet away, you can clearly see what a person with typical vision should be able to see from that distance. It’s a standard of measurement for clarity—not a complete indicator of perfect eye health, as exams can reveal the full picture of your health.
Should You Memorize the Eye Chart?
Memorizing the eye chart would defeat the purpose of the exam. An inaccurate test could lead to the wrong prescription, causing headaches and eye strain. The goal is to correct your vision as it is, not as you think it should be.
Your Vision Health & Preventative Care
Simple daily habits can also support your eye health. Following a few tips to preserve your eye health can make a big difference over time.
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule—every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Eat foods rich in vitamins that support eye health, like leafy greens, fish, & carrots.
- Wear sunglasses that block UV rays to protect your eyes from the sun.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
Protect Your Vision
A comprehensive eye exam is a key part of your overall wellness routine. At Dr. Henslick Vision Center, your eye doctor in Laguna Niguel, we dedicate ourselves to providing top-quality vision care for every person.
Schedule your comprehensive eye exam with our team today.
