COURT HOUSE – Eye exams are a routine part of healthcare, but the specialty equipment and data that can be gleaned are anything but routine. A comprehensive eye exam not only provides you with the opportunity for corrective lenses for your clearest vision, but it can also include sight-saving diagnoses and give you a heads-up to other health problems.
“The eyes may be the window to the soul, but to a trained ophthalmologist, they also show evidence of high blood pressure, diabetes, and other chronic conditions,” said Dr. Michael Caruso, ophthalmologist, eye surgeon, and practice founder, Atlantic Eye Center.
“Our state-of-the-art medical equipment allows us to see a full picture of our patients’ vision and take necessary action to preserve their sight.”
Dr. Caruso provided an overview of the complex technology that is part of a comprehensive eye exam. “Knowing about these medical devices can help to alleviate any apprehension patients may have.”
The technician will first test a patient’s vision with two devices: an automatic refractor and a lensometer. The refractor is a box-like machine that measures how light moves through a patient’s eyes. The lensometer calculates the power in a patient’s current glasses. This measurement, when combined with the automatic refractor, will reveal whether there is a disconnect between the current prescription and the patient’s visual needs.
The ophthalmologist then examines the patient. They do an eye pressure test, blowing a little puff of air into each eye. Too much pressure can eventually hurt your vision and the puff test is an early indicator of whether you may have any problems.
The doctor also uses a slit lamp, which is essentially an eye microscope with a bright light. It lets the doctor see every part of your eyes, anterior and posterior. Patients place their chin on the chin rest and their forehand against the band to keep their head steady during this exam. Although the light is very bright, it does not cause any damage to your eye. Dilating drops are often used so the doctor can get a better look at the back of the eyes. Your eye doctor may be the first to diagnose high blood pressure, which can be seen during a slit lamp exam.
Other tests include an Amsler grid, which checks for retinal changes, macular degeneration, and tumors. A stereo test measures depth perception, and there is also a test for color blindness.
If you need glasses or contacts, the phoropter machine will help to determine the right prescription. Your doctor will flip different lenses, as you read letters and numbers from an eye chart.
If patients have specific issues, such as burning or tearing eyes, the doctor may do a Schirmer’s test to measure tear production. For patients with double vision, the doctor may do an ultrasound image of the retina. For those with chronic conditions such as multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis, an exam includes a visual field machine map to measure side vision.
Atlantic Eye Center is a leading name in ophthalmic and surgical eye care in South Jersey, offering services at Atlantic Eye Center and Cape Cataract Center. Dr. Caruso is a board-certified ophthalmologist, doctor of medicine and eye surgeon who is trained to perform total eye care, from routine eye exams to disease diagnosis, prescription treatments and surgery. The full-service practice treats patients from the time they are young, through adult years, and as their eyes age.
Atlantic Eye Center is located at 207 Stone Harbor Blvd, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210.
For more information on Atlantic Eye Center or to schedule an appointment, visit www.DoctorMichaelCaruso.com or call 609-465-1616.
