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During the exam
A clinical assistant or technician might do part of the examination, such as taking your medical history and giving the initial eye test. An eye exam usually involves these steps:
Measurement of your visual acuity to see if you need glasses or contact lenses to improve your vision.
Measurement of your eye pressure. You’ll be given a numbing drop in your eyes. To make it easier for your doctor to examine the inside of your eye, he or she will likely give you eyedrops to dilate your eyes.
Evaluation of the health of your eyes. After the dilating drops take effect, your eye doctor might use several lights or imaging to evaluate the front of the eye and the inside of each eye.
Your doctor might use several tests to check your vision and the appearance and function of all parts of your eyes.
After the exam
At the end of your eye exam, you and your doctor will discuss the results of all testing, including an assessment of your vision, your risk of eye disease and preventive measures you can take to protect your eyesight.
Different types of eye exams
Eye muscle test
This test evaluates the muscles that control eye movement. Your eye doctor watches as your eyes follow a moving object, such as a pen or small light. He or she looks for muscle weakness, poor control or poor coordination.