Often, eye and vision problems do not have obvious symptoms or signs, but can be vision threatening. Most eye problems are easily diagnosed by a licensed optometrist. By diagnosing eye and vision conditions early on, our optometrist is able provide treatment options and in many cases prevent vision loss. The American Optometric Association recommends yearly eye exams for all patients over age 5.
Eye Exam and Consultation
During an eye exam, Dr. Christina Herald will ask you questions about any symptoms or issues you are experiencing, medications you are currently taking, any blurry vision, your work environment, and your overall health. Family history and previous eye or vision conditions will also be discussed during this part of the examination. Dr. Herald will consider this information when determining any treatments or recommendations.
Vision Testing
Regular vision testing and evaluations ensure that you always have the clearest vision possible. Our optometrist provides regular vision acuity test as part of a comprehensive eye exam. Dr. Herald will measure how each eye is seeing by covering one eye at a time and asking you to read letters on a chart. The results of these tests are portrayed as a fraction, with 20/20 being the standard for normal vision. The top of the fraction represents the distance that you are reading at. Most exam charts are calibrated to simulate a room that is 20 feet long. The bottom of the fraction represents the distance away the a person with normal vision can read the line of letters. So 20/50 means that what a normal eye can see at 50 feet, you have to be at 20 feet to be able to read. Depending on the results of your vision test, Dr. Herald may prescribe corrective glasses, contacts, or eye exercises.
Eye Function Testing
In addition to vision testing, an eye exam in our Fall River office includes testing eye functionality. Our optometrist performs several tests to evaluate depth perception, color vision, eye muscle capabilities, peripheral vision, and responsiveness to light. Several other simple tests are completed to determine whether the eyes are focusing, moving, and working together properly. The test results enable Dr. Herald to diagnose any underlying conditions that may be impairing the eyes ability to focus or work together.
Eye Health
As part of a comprehensive eye exam, Dr. Herald examines the overall health of the eye in a few different ways.
Front of the eye: Dr. Herald examines the eyelids and the front of the eye by using a microscope called a slit lamp that uses magnification and bright light. Our slit lamp is advanced and has the ability to take high resolution images of front of the eye structures for documentation and educational purposes.
Eye Pressure: Dr. Herald examines the pressure of the fluid inside your eyes. The fluid should constantly be at an even level. If the pressure inside your eye is too high, this can cause damage to your optic nerve, and this is known as glaucoma.
In our office, we are fully up to date with the new technology. Now we mostly use a new dropless option called the I care which feels like a flutter along your eyelashes- yes, no more eye puff! There are also some other ways your eye pressure can be checked which require eye drops such as the tonometer (blue light method) and the tonopen.
Back of the eye: To examine the internal structures of the eye, we may ask to dilate your pupils, especially if you are diabetic. For more routine screenings, we have the latest technology in wide field retinal imaging. There are so many wonderful reasons to have wide filed retinal imaging done- including getting a great baseline of your internal eye structures and easily being able to monitor for changes year after year. Learn more about retinal imaging here (link).
After completing these short tests, Dr. Herald reviews the results and discusses any necessary treatment options with you. Contact us at (508) 673-2370 today to schedule a comprehensive eye exam.