Basics Regarding A Vision Tester

By Jayne Rutledge


Opticians, optometrists and ophthalmologists are different kinds of eye doctors. The professional that are knowledgeable and trained in this field of health care might also be known as a vision tester. The term may also be applied when referring to a general eye exam or visual field test. Numerous tests of these kinds can be done to check the function and health of eyes.

An eye exam refers specifically to a series of tests that are performed by an orthoptist, optometrist or ophthalmologist to assess the vision of an individual and his or her ability to discern and focus on objects. In this process, other exams and tests are performed on the eyes. It is recommended by officials in the health care field that people have periodic exams done as routine care, especially since most eye diseases show or produce no symptoms.

Different equipment and techniques are employed for these basic tests, which are usually done through external examination. The very basic exams involve checking of pupil function, extraocular muscle motility and visual acuity. The process is applied by doctors in order to detect blindness, tumors and other potential eye problems. Most insurance providers will offer some portion of coverage for these tests. Prices will range for the test, as well as treatments.

Visual field tests are exams that are employed to identify any dysfunction present in central and peripheral vision. Usually these problems are the result of glaucoma, stroke, brain tumors or other serious medical conditions. The test itself is done clinically. Patients are asked to fix their gaze on a spot while objects are placed in different areas of their visual field.

Simple equipment such as tangent screen tests or Amsler grids are often used in this process, but dedicated machinery might also be employed. If dedicated machinery is used during a field test, the test is referred to as a perimeter. Other names for this exam: perimetry, Automated perimetry exam, Tangent screen exam, Humphrey field exam or Goldmann visual field exam. A field test may be carried out directly by a technician, with help from a machine or entirely by a machine that is automated.

Numerous eye exams can be carried out. In fact, sometimes these are a requirement. An example of this would be when applying for a certain job in which good eyesight is necessary or before getting a drivers license. There are many doctors and machines that act as vision testers.

Each test has its own purpose and will produce different results. Some may be used solely to check for color blindness and others might be focused on accessing vision close up and far away. There are even tests specifically designed to assess health of the eyes. A doctor consultation is the best way to find out what exams to take, what the results mean, and the steps to take based on those results.

It is important to take care of the eyes because humans only have one set. In the event of eye or vision loss, not much can be done to restore that for individuals. A vision tester may refer to a person or machine that is used to assess the health and function of the eyes. There are numerous eye exams that can be performed.




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