Routine eye exams actually include a number of tests combined into one visit. The tests vary with age. For young children and infants, doctors check mostly for visual development problems. For older children and young adults, visual acuity tests, eye coordination tests, and tests for glaucoma are generally performed. Adults are screened for visual acuity, and depending on the presence of risk factors, for eye disease including glaucoma. Older adults, over the age of 60, are screened for cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and other diseases of the eye.

Routine eye exams most often lead to prescription updates for your glasses or contact lenses. However, especially in young children and older adults, these eye exams also check for eye diseases that could potentially result in loss of vision and general harm to your health. Many of these diseases are treatable so discovering them early can prevent or slow their development.

There are a variety of tests included in the routine eye exam. Some include reading letters off of a chart at a distance away and reading letters while looking through a series of lenses. In other tests, lights will be passed across your field of vision to test pupil response. For glaucoma testing, a puff of air will be directed at your eye, or a direct measuring device will be used.

One of the eye tests requires that your pupils be dilated with a chemical solution. Your vision will be blurry temporarily so it is recommended that you arrange transportation to and from the exam. It is also recommended that you bring a pair of sunglasses for after the exam to protect your eyes while they return to a normal state.

• In infants:
• Premature birth
• Infected mother during pregnancy
• Family history
• In children/young adults:
• Family history
• In adults/older adults:
• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Family history of glaucoma
• Race: African American
• Visually demanding occupation