How to Do an Eye Exam

Question 1

case history

Answer 1

Hx

• chief complaint/ reason for visit
• review of symptoms (ROS)
• ocular history (OHx)
• family “ (FOHx)
• family medical history (FMHx)

Question 2

visual acuity

Answer 2

clarity/sharpness of vision

Question 3

20/20 vision

Answer 3

term used to express normal visual acuity measured at a distance of 20 feet
- Snellen notation: 20/20 = you can see clearly at 20 feet what should normally be seen at that distance

Question 4

cover test

Answer 4

simplest test to determine eye alignment

1. Unilateral
   - patient focuses on distant object
   - cover one eye while watching for movement from the other eye, then alternate (eye turn or strabismus)
2. Alternating
   - occluder will be switched from one eye to the other
   - watch to see if eye moves after it is uncovered (phoria)

Question 5

pupillary evaluation

Answer 5

check size of pupil ; dilator muscle

- constricts when light is shone into it

Question 6

confrontation visual fields

Answer 6

• test visual field / periphery vision
• normal extent of visual field = 180 degrees (approx 60 degrees to either side of nose)
• combined field = binocular field of vision

Question 7

blind spot

Answer 7

no sensory neurons or photoreceptors in back of eye (optic nerve)

Question 8

retinoscopy

Answer 8

to determine the refractive state (error) of the eye (objective, without patient input)
- uses phoropter

Question 9

ophthalmoscopy

Answer 9

determines health of retina or posterior position of eye