Eye tests and contact lens tests

A regular eye test can help detect eye conditions before you notice the effect on your sight. Poor sight could also be an indication of potentially serious eye diseases such as glaucoma or macular degeneration, or general health problems like diabetes or high blood pressure. Many eye and vision affecting conditions present no obvious symptoms. Therefore, individuals are often unaware that a problem exists. Early diagnosis and treatment are important for maintaining good vision and, when possible, preventing permanent vision loss. At the eye care studio, we take our time to try and diagnose any eye abnormalities. An eye test usually lasts about half an hour. We recommend that you have an eye test at least once every two years or more often if advised. Using modern equipment and techniques, systemic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension can also be diagnosed through an eye examination.

A contact lens check is not the same as a full eye test. Contact lens wearers need regular eye examinations as well as contact lens checks.

Your eye examination explained

Not only do we find out if you need spectacles or contact lenses, we carry out a range of other relevant tests to assess the health of your eyes. Each eye exam is tailor-made to your individual circumstances and needs. This may include the following elements and other tests where appropriate, based on professional evaluation of your visual requirements.

History and symptoms

Firstly, we discuss any problems with your eyes and general health. This section of the eye examination is one of the most important as it will give us as starting point to try and diagnose any problems with your vision and therefore we strongly recommend that a patient gives us their full co-operation by providing us with all the relevant information. If you are on any medication, please bring the names along with you. To assess your visual needs, we also discuss your work and leisure activities.

Ophthalmoscopy

This is one the most important parts of the eye examination because it checks the health of your eyes. A light is shone into your pupil using an instrument called an ophthalmoscope. Using an ophthalmoscope we can see the internal parts of your eye clearly, such as your lens, retina and the optic disc and its surroundings. This enables us to check for any abnormalities and helps us to diagnose any problems such as diabetes, hypertension, cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration.

Refraction

Prior to finding out whether you need an optical correction, we access any current spectacles or contact lenses worn. So please bring these along with you during your eye examination. This will enable us to check the lens type, power and how well you can see with them.

The refraction tests aim to reveal any short/long sightedness, presbyopia or any astigmatism. All of the above conditions can be corrected with spectacles or contact lenses.

We check your vision in three parts:

• Distance vision – For driving needs and watching TV
• Intermediate vision – For computer work and hobbies
• Near vision – For reading

Oculomotor balance

This test aims to check if your eye muscles are working together to give you comfortable vision at all distances.

Intraocular pressure

This is a test to measure the pressure inside your eyes. The pressure within the eyes varies during the day. Normally, the pressure inside the eye ranges from 10 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury) to 21 mm Hg. Pressures outside this range can indicate glaucoma. If untreated, glaucoma eventually leads to blindness. This test is usually carried out on people over 40 years of age or people with a relevant family history of glaucoma. We evaluate the results in conjunction with a visual field and ophthalmoscopy.

Visual assessment

This is the last part of your eye examination. We give you an explanation of your vision and the health of your eye and we are happy to answer your questions and concerns. We give you a copy of your Optical prescription and recommend a time for your next eye examination.

Spectacles

We stock a wide range of spectacle frames to suit all ages, from an economy selection and children’s frames to designer eyewear. Some of the brands we stock include: Gotti, Mykita, Oscar & Fitch,Versace , Spirit Titanium. A dispensing optician is always available to help you to make the right choice while choosing a frame and lenses as well. We also have a range of different coatings to give your spectacle better looks and better optical performance. We also stock reading glasses, hand magnifiers and other accessories including cleaning liquids and chains/cords for spectacles. We also have a wide range of Mykita sunglasses