Unlike vision screenings or general eye tests, comprehensive eye exams evaluate the entire health of the eye and help determine your unique prescription. These exams should begin in infancy to ensure proper development and continue regularly throughout life, as many eye diseases and vision changes can occur silently.
What a Comprehensive Eye Exam Includes
Comprehensive eye exams test visual sharpness using eye charts. The doctor assesses your visual acuity — how well you're able to identify details — typically using the Snellen chart.
The Snellen chart features an "E" at the top with eleven rows of capital letters. The fourth line from the bottom represents 20/20 vision, meaning you can see at 20 feet as well as someone with adequate visual acuity should. If you cannot read smaller lines, the doctor moves to higher lines to establish a starting point for further testing.
Beyond determining your prescription for eyeglasses or contacts, the exam includes checking for common eye diseases, assessing color vision, evaluating how your eyes work together, and examining your eyes as indicators of overall health.
Why Regular Exams Matter
Comprehensive eye exams often are the first way chronic systemic diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes are detected. Regular examinations are the best approach to maintaining eye health and optimal vision.