General Eye Examination
Not seeing as clearly with your glasses as before, struggling while reading, a burning sensation in front of a screen, or noticing a change in night vision… Similar complaints may arise from different parts of the eye. A general eye examination allows the structures and overall health of the eye to be assessed alongside the level of vision.
At his practice in Nişantaşı, Şişli, Op. Dr. Gökay Günay approaches the general eye examination together with the patient’s complaints, medical history and everyday visual needs. The examination is not limited to determining the spectacle prescription; the ocular surface, the natural lens, the eye pressure and, where necessary, the retina and the optic nerve are also assessed.
What Is Assessed in a General Eye Examination?
The assessment begins with a discussion of when the complaints started and how they have changed. Previous eye conditions, operations, eye drops in use and other medication are recorded. Diabetes, hypertension and a family history of eye disease are also taken into account.
The scope of the examination is arranged according to age and findings.
Level of Vision and Spectacle Prescription
The level of vision is assessed separately for each eye. Refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism are examined, along with the age-related need for near vision.
The result obtained from the measuring device is interpreted together with the patient’s responses and the examination findings. If the expected clarity cannot be achieved with glasses, the reason for this is investigated.
Cornea, Ocular Surface and Natural Lens
The eyelids, lash margins, conjunctiva, cornea and natural lens are examined with a slit lamp, also known as a biomicroscope.
Findings relating to conditions such as dry eye disease, allergic eye diseases and cataract are assessed. The cause of complaints such as burning or stinging is not determined by looking at the symptoms alone.
Eye Pressure and the Optic Nerve
The intraocular pressure is measured, and the condition of the optic nerve and individual risk factors are assessed. A normal eye pressure measurement does not on its own rule out glaucoma.
Where glaucoma is suspected, the necessary additional investigations and a follow-up plan are determined.
Fundus and Retinal Assessment
The retina and the optic nerve are examined during the fundus examination. Where necessary, the assessment is extended using drops that dilate the pupil.
This examination is particularly important in situations such as unexplained reduced vision, diabetes, high myopia, flashes of light or newly developing floaters.
What Is Assessed in a Contact Lens Examination?
In people who wish to wear contact lenses, or who experience discomfort with their current lenses, the cornea, the tear film and the eyelids are assessed alongside the spectacle prescription. Contact lenses are not selected on the basis of the spectacle prescription alone.
The fit of the lens on the eye, its movement, the vision it provides and the comfort of wear are examined. The characteristics of the eye and the person’s everyday needs are taken into account when the suitable lens type and wearing schedule are determined.
If there is burning, stinging, redness or blurred vision with the current contact lenses, dry eye, allergy, the fit of the lens and wearing habits are investigated. Information is given about inserting and removing lenses, cleaning them, their replacement interval and the need for follow-up.
Even when contact lens wearers have no complaints, it is important that the ocular surface and the fit of the lens are checked regularly.
Are OCT and Visual Field Testing Performed at Every Examination?
No. OCT and visual field tests are not routinely required in every patient.
These investigations may be requested if a finding relating to the retina or the optic nerve is detected during the examination, or if follow-up of a condition is required. Where there are concerns about the structure of the cornea, corneal topography or tomography may be assessed.
Investigations complement the examination; on their own they do not replace a general eye examination.
What Should Be Brought to the Examination?
- Glasses in use and any previous prescriptions
- The type of contact lens and details of its use
- Previous operation reports, OCT and visual field results
- A list of eye drops and other medication in use
Whether contact lens wear needs to be paused is notified in advance, according to the measurements planned.
How Long Does an Eye Examination Take?
The duration varies according to the complaints, the measurements required and whether drops that dilate the pupil are used. Additional investigations, or waiting for the drops to take effect, may extend the time spent at the practice.
When the pupil has been dilated, there may be blurred near vision and sensitivity to light for a period. For this reason, the possibility of driving should also be taken into account when planning the journey.
How Is a Plan Drawn Up After the Examination?
In line with the findings, a change of glasses, ocular surface treatment, follow-up for a specific condition or other necessary assessments are planned. Not every visual complaint requires surgery.
At Op. Dr. Gökay Günay’s practice in Nişantaşı, Şişli, İstanbul, the diagnosis, treatment and regular follow-up of general eye conditions are carried out alongside surgical assessments.
How the need for a check-up is determined in the absence of complaints is explained on the Eye Health Check-Up page.
Which Complaints Should Not Wait for a Routine Appointment?
Assessment is required without delay in the event of sudden reduced vision, severe eye pain, a large number of newly developing floaters, flashes of light or a curtain-like shadow in the field of vision.
This information is for general guidance only; it does not replace individual medical assessment. The scope of the examination and investigations is determined on an individual basis.