Eye doctors are trained professionals with extensive experience in their field. Their equipment may look intimidating to some, but when in the hands of a professional, you have no need to be afraid of it. These tools can save your vision and, in more extreme cases, save your life.
Familiarize yourself with these common tools that eye doctors use for most routine examinations:
1. OPHTHALMOSCOPE
These magnifying devices are used in conjunction with eye drops that dilate your pupils to allow your optometrist to view the back of your eye. This procedure reveals if any lesions or other problems are developing. Two types of ophthalmoscopes are used for an examination: A binocular indirect and a monocular direct.
A binocular indirect is a handheld device that the doctor holds in front of your eye to scan it. It is primarily used to reveal raised lesions. The monocular direct is mounted on a surface or worn on the doctor’s head to get a more direct, penetrating look at the depths of your eye.
2. RETINASCOPE
Your eye doctor will use this tool to shoot a light into the depths of your eye, and then tune the light until it directly focused on your retina. This pinpointing of your retina helps the optometrist determine your proper lens prescription.
3. VISUAL FIELDS TESTER
Due to certain conditions, such as glaucoma, a patient may lose certain areas from their field of vision. Your doctor will use a visual fields tester to determine if you have any blind spots. This device requires for you to put your face up to an enclosed monitor and click a button, or verbally confirm, that you can see the lights when they flash in different areas of the screen. If you miss certain spots, further examination for a serious condition may be required.
4. REFRACTOR
A refractor is arguably the most intimidating tool used in an examination because it is large and comprised of metal and glass. This large device can create combinations of almost any prescription lense imaginable. By viewing a chart through the refractor, your doctor can dial in different combinations of lenses to find the prescription that best corrects your vision problems.
Do you have questions about an eye examination, or are you ready to schedule one? Please contact Silverstein Eye Care Centers today at (816) 358-3600 or request your appointment online. We can serve you at our convenient location in Independence/Kansas City.