The eye exam is a detailed assessment of the quality of vision and visual health. It includes several tests:

1. Medical and visual history

 2. Observation of eye movements: Ocular motility, binocular coordination, convergence, etc. are observed to check the alignment of the eyes. Strabismus ("crossed eye"), amblyopia ("lazy eye"), diplopia (double vision) and suppression are problems that can be detected during the exam.

3. Refraction: A series of tests to determine your prescription for glasses and/or contact lenses. Myopia, astigmatism, hyperopia and presbyopia are the optical problems of vision.

4. Eye health assessment: A detailed observation of the structures of the eye with different technological equipment (microscope, ophthalmoscope, retinal camera, etc.) in order to detect a pathological condition. Cataract, glaucoma and macular degeneration are some of the main eye health problems that impact vision due to changes in the structures of the eye.

5. Eye pressure: Tonometry is the term used to refer to intraocular pressure. When the pressure is high, it is called ocular hypertension and/or glaucoma.

6. Automated Visual Fields

Other tests may be necessary and recommended depending on the results observed such as detailed color vision, pupil dilation, retinal scan, etc.

 

The optometrist will analyze the data collected during the exam in order to make recommendations and prescribe, if necessary, glasses and/or contact lenses, pharmacological treatment and/or orthoptic treatment.

 

Phoropter is the term generally used to refer to the refracting device.
Photo by João Melo on Unsplash

Contact Lens Fitting

Contact lenses offer several advantages. Wide field of vision, fog-free vision, they are ideal for an active lifestyle! They can correct myopia, astigmatism, hyperopia and even presbyopia! Depending on the prescription and brand, there are single-use lenses, monthly replacement lenses or biweekly replacement lenses. Ask your eye care professional about the type of lenses best suited to your prescription and lifestyle! New material, design and prescription technologies evolve regularly. Stay informed and improve your visual comfort!

Contact lenses are medical products and must be evaluated on the eye by an eye care professional to ensure the safety of the product to the wearer¹. You should stop wearing contact lenses and consult a professional if you experience persistent eye pain, redness, irritation or changes in vision, or if you notice signs of dry eyes or discomfort.

Without the proper fit, there are serious risks to eye health. Everyone's cornea (the front part of the eye) is shaped differently. You must observe them moving on your eyes to ensure that your lenses are properly fitted. If your lenses are too tight, it can lead to hypoxia, which means your cornea is not getting enough oxygen. Neovascularization, swelling (edema), or ulceration of the cornea are also possible. On the contrary, if they are too loose, your contact lenses can move and cause corneal scratches, which can lead to serious eye damage.

Improperly fitting contact lenses can lead to poor vision, discomfort, eye infections, and permanent damage or blindness.

Digital Imaging

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT Scan) is a retinal scan that can screen, diagnose, and monitor several eye diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. This technology allows the retina and optic nerve to be seen in great detail.

Retinal Camera

Schéma de photo de fond d'oeil avec caméra rétinienne
Schéma d'imagerie par tomographie à cohérence optique (OCT Scan): Coupe transversale dans laquelle on peut y voir les différentes couches de la rétine

Automated Visual Fields

Visual fields help create a more detailed map of where you can and can't see (scotomas). They are important for identifying fine losses in certain conditions. The loss can be slow and subtle. Thus, it can help diagnose or monitor a number of conditions over time.

Patients diagnosed with certain conditions may need these tests more often:

Glaucoma, macular degeneration, multiple sclerosis, thyroid eye disease (Graves' disease), central nervous system problems (such as a tumor that may be pressing on the visual parts of the brain), stroke, eye vascular accidents or occlusion, retinal detachment, retinitis pigmentosa, optic neuritis, optic nerve edema, long-term use of certain medications (e.g. Plaquenil or hydroxychloroquine require annual visual field exams), head injury (e.g. concussion), etc.

Screening for Diabetic Retinopathy

We offer dilated eye exams to examine the retina and identify any damage such as abnormal bleeding, blood vessel changes or other diabetic eye changes that could lead to serious vision complications. Driving after pupil dilation is not recommended and it is best to have alternative transportation.

Examination under Pupillary Dilation and Evaluation of the Peripheral Retina

We offer dilated eye exams to examine the peripheral retina to identify any lesions such as tears, holes or retinal detachment that could lead to serious vision complications. This test is recommended for patients with high myopia (-5.00 D and above).It is an emergency for any patient experiencing new floaters, flashes, or a hazy vision. Dilation may also be recommended if you are taking medications that pose a risk to eye health. Driving after pupil dilation is not recommended and it is best to have alternative transportation.

SAAQ Form

The Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) may request a report for the evaluation, particularly the driver's visual condition: Report 5 - Visual examination report by an ophthalmologist or optometrist - Driver's license. Our clinic has all the necessary equipment to perform the required tests and complete the SAAQ form.

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