Assessing the eye’s internal health

Using an ophthalmoscope to shine light through the pupil to the back of the eye, the eye care practitioner also will check the internal physical health of the eye. Ophthalmoscopy is a bit like looking through a knot hole in a fence -- the best and widest view is obtained by getting as close to the hole as possible. Also dilating drops may be used to widen the pupil. Looking at the back of the eye this way gives a view of arteries, veins and nerves which are representative of systems throughout the body. Nowhere else can so much be seen without using invasive or probing techniques. This examination not only reveals eye health and diagnoses such ocular conditions as glaucoma and cataracts, but it also can indicate signs of many conditions affecting the whole body. High blood pressure, arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and diabetes are among conditions that may be spotted early through a thorough eye exam.

Measuring peripheral vision

Your eye care practitioner also may examine your visual fields or peripheral vision -- the outer part of your field of vision. Using specialized equipment, the practitioner will cover one of your eyes and ask you to look straight ahead. You’ll then be tested on what you can see above, below and to the sides of the direction in which you are looking. This test can pick up conditions related to the eyes, the entire visual system or the brain, as well as to your general health. It is very sensitive, often detecting conditions long before they become apparent using other means of examination.