The term eye test refers to a whole range of different examinations of the eye and the ability to see or visual perception. With their help, it is determined whether the respective person needs, for example, an optical aid such as glasses or contact lenses. In some professions or, for example, before obtaining a driver’s license, the performance of an eye test is mandatory.
What is an eye test?
The term eye test refers to a whole range of different examinations of the eye and the ability to see or visual perception. By an eye test, experts mean various tests and examinations that can be performed in relation to a person’s ability to see and perceive. In most cases, it is primarily the visual acuity of the respective person that is determined. In principle, however, examinations of color vision, stereo vision or simultaneous vision also fall under the general term “eye test”. Which values correspond to the norm and at what point the use of an optical aid or medical treatment becomes necessary is precisely defined. Eye tests are carried out by the ophthalmologist or also by the optician and are necessary, for example, if the acquisition of a driver’s license is imminent or is to be worked in a profession in which perfect vision is a prerequisite.
Function, effect and goals
An eye test is performed in most cases as part of a general eye examination at the ophthalmologist. Among other things, the patient’s visual acuity is determined. This is done with the help of the so-called vision test chart, on which there are letters in different sizes. Each eye is examined in turn. If the patient has difficulty recognizing letters with one or both eyes, this indicates a visual impairment. The ophthalmologist will then prescribe appropriate glasses or contact lenses. If the patient already has such an optical aid, the eye test can be used to determine whether the respective visual acuity of the glasses/contact lenses is still sufficient or whether they need to be adjusted. In this case, an optician can also perform the eye test and then issue a new visual aid. By means of the eye test it should be achieved that possible refractive errors are detected and compensated. A regular eye examination is therefore advisable, at the latest when the person concerned notices changes in his visual acuity or his perception in general. Progressive and untreated visual defects can possibly worsen over time. If vision care is prescribed early, this process can be slowed. Last but not least, poor eyesight often means danger, for example when driving a vehicle. For this reason, an eye test must be taken before obtaining a driver’s license. Under certain circumstances, the driver’s license can then be issued on condition that an appropriate visual aid is worn while driving. This is to minimize the risk of traffic accidents resulting in property damage and personal injury.
Risks, dangers and indications
A regular vision test, in the course of which the visual acuity of the person in question is tested, is a purely visual test. The patient only has to read letters and/or numbers from a vision test chart to provide information about how pronounced the visual acuity of both eyes is. For this reason, there are no risks or dangers associated with this examination. This also applies if, in addition to visual acuity, visual tests are performed, for example, to test spatial vision or the visual field. If further examinations are carried out with regard to vision and perception, and if a disease of the eye is suspected under certain circumstances, the attending physician may, for example, administer eye drops to dilate the pupils. This is done so that he can examine the back of the eye more closely. In this case, hypersensitivity reactions may occur in rare cases. This examination must not take place in patients with cataracts. After pupil dilation, patients must still bear in mind that their vision is temporarily impaired and they must therefore not drive a car, motorcycle or bicycle for a few hours. However, in the case of a pure eye test with inconspicuous findings, such examinations are not necessary.Thus, the eye test itself does not involve any risks, but helps to significantly minimize potential dangers for the affected person himself and other road users by correcting a visual impairment.
Typical and common eye diseases
- Eye inflammation
- Eye pain
- Conjunctivitis
- Double vision (diplopia)
- Light sensitivity
- Nearsightedness (myopia)
- Farsightedness (hyperopia)
