Your eye test explained
An eye test can be daunting especially if it's your first time, or it has been a long time since you have had one! Chakshu London was founded by three optometrists - Maya, Surbhi and Nund, who studied together at City University, qualifying in 2010. Your eye test at Chakshu London opticians, located near Camden Town, Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, will be conducted by one of them.
We aim to tailor each eye test to your specific needs, taking into account your general health and family history when carrying out the eye health checks. Read more below about what a typical eye examination at Chakshu London opticians would entail.
PRE-SCREEN
Before the main eye examination, your optometrist carry out a pre-screen, which is a collection of diagnostic tests which provide data to help the optometrist carry out the eye examination.
Firstly, an autorefractor is used to measure the way in which your eye focuses on things, this helps to determine what type of prescription you would require.
Depending on your age, your eye pressure measurement will be taken using a tonometer. This machine will gently blow multiple puffs of air into the eye to get a measurement.
Digital retinal photography allows your optometrist to take photographs of the back of your eye. This is very important for comparison purposes. Over the years we can compare the retinal photographs for any changes that may occur with time.
OCT
At Chakshu London opticians we have invested in state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to assess the health of your eyes. You can upgrade to have an OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) scan in our Advanced Eye Examination. An OCT scan, often used in hospitals, allows your optometrist to view the structures of your eye in even greater detail. Using light waves, this non-invasive scan creates a 3D image of your eye. This advanced technology allows your optometrist to pick up eye conditions in their very early stages, unlike traditional methods.
EYE EXAMINATION
Your optometrist will begin the test with a few questions about any problems you may be experiencing and about your general health and lifestyle. Using this information they can tailor the eye examination to your specific needs.
Your optometrist will ask you to read the letters on a test chart and will show you a range of lenses to calculate your prescription.
They will also look at the health of your eyes. A volk lens or ophthalmoscope is used to look at the back of the eye in more detail, they asses the retina, the optic nerve and the blood vessels in your eyes to ensure it all looks normal. In some cases a slit lamp is used to assess the front of your eye, this is particularly important if you suffer with dry eye or often find your eyes feeling irritated or sore. It is also an important part of contact lens check ups.
If your optometrist feels it is required, you may also need to do a visual field test. This machine checks the peripheral vision of each eye is within the normal limits. Other additional tests may be needed however your optometrist will talk you through them if they feel it is necessary.
Once the eye test is done, you optometrist will go through their findings with you, and advise you on the most suitable type of glasses for your prescription and lifestyle. You are also able to ask your optometrist any further questions you may have.