Patients at the Cole Eye Institute receive comprehensive eye examinations to determine if they have any existing or potential eye problems. The examination is comprised of a number of tests that will last 2 hours. The ophthalmologist and staff provide patients with quality care so that appropriate and timely steps can be taken if a problem is detected.
The following is a brief summary of the steps patients go through during a routine eye examination at the Cole Eye Institute. Depending on the physicians' finding, test procedures may vary.
Visual Acuity Examination
Patients will be tested for the ability to see at both distance and near. Lensometry is used to determine the prescription in a patient's existing glasses. The ophthalmic assistant will perform a refraction, which determines the amount of refractive error. This process allows a physician to give patients the proper optical correction through glasses or contact lenses if necessary.
Patient History
Our physicians rely upon the patient history to determine what steps may need to be taken in the evaluation. The ophthalmic assistant reviews with the patient the main reason for their visit, the eye and medical history, family history, medications and allergies. The answers are documented in the patient chart for the physician to review before seeing the patient.
External Examination
The external examination looks at the appearance of the patient's lashes, lids and visual parts of the lacrimal apparatus and external globe.
Alignment and Motility Examination
Vision can often be limited based on misalignment of the eyes. Several tests are performed to determine if a patient has a misalignment.
Visual Field Examination
This exam determines the sensitivity of the patient's peripheral vision.
Pupillary Examination
General eye health can often be determined by checking the reactions of the pupils under different light conditions.
Intraocular Pressure Measurement
Tonometry (checking the pressure in the eye) is vital in detecting glaucoma.
Dilation
Is the last step before seeing the physician. Dilating drops are administered to assist in further screening the health of the eye for the physician.
Once these tests are done, the physician performs two more detailed tests to complete the examination.
Biomicroscopy
Also called a slit lamp exam, this test consists of using a magnifying microscope to closely examine the cornea, crystalline lens, lashes, membranes and clear fluids within the eye. This detailed test allows the physician to determine if any abnormalities exist.
Ophthalmoscopy
An ophthalmoscope is used to examine the health of the retina, optic disc, macula and vasculature of the eye.
Cole Eye Institute
The Cleveland Clinic Foundation
9500 Euclid Avenue, Mail Code i-20
Cleveland, Ohio 44195
216.444.2020 or 800.223.2273 ext. 4-2020