Visiting the optometrist might not be your favourite appointment of the year – but it should be one of the most routine. If you're due for an eye exam in Surrey, BC, or wondering what really happens during one, this guide breaks down the process and explains why it’s such a critical part of your overall health.
An eye exam isn’t just about checking your prescription glasses. It’s a full evaluation of how your eyes function and whether any changes are happening that could affect your vision, comfort, or safety. At Active Eyes Optometry, we take a comprehensive approach, and that includes making sure you know what to expect before you even sit in the chair.
What Happens During an Eye Exam?
Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, the exam generally follows the same steps. Each part serves a specific purpose, from assessing visual clarity to identifying early signs of conditions like glaucoma or macular degeneration.
Step 1: A Conversation About Your Eye Health
Before any testing begins, your optometrist will ask questions about your vision, lifestyle, medical history, and any symptoms you've noticed. This step is crucial – your answers help guide the rest of the exam and flag areas that need closer inspection.
Step 2: Vision Testing and Prescription Check
Next up: the classic letter chart. You'll read rows of letters in various sizes to help determine if your vision has changed. The optometrist may also perform a refraction test using a phoropter – that’s the device with the rotating lenses — to fine-tune your prescription. This ensures you’re seeing clearly and comfortably with or without corrective lenses.
Step 3: Eye Coordination and Focus Assessment
Your eyes need to work together to give you clear, single vision. That’s why tests for binocular vision, eye teaming, and focusing ability are often included. These evaluations are especially important for children, students, or anyone experiencing symptoms like double vision or eye strain.
Step 4: Eye Pressure and Internal Health Checks
This part of the exam checks for signs of more serious issues. Measuring the pressure inside your eye helps screen for glaucoma. The optometrist will also examine the health of your retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels – often using dilating drops or advanced imaging tools.
Why Eye Exams Matter – Even If Your Vision Feels Fine
It’s easy to think of eye exams as something you only need when your vision gets blurry – but many eye conditions develop silently, without symptoms in the early stages. Regular exams help your optometrist detect issues before they become serious.
For example, conditions like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration can develop gradually, and by the time vision changes are noticeable, the damage may be irreversible. An optometrist can spot the early warning signs and help you manage or treat them effectively.
Eye exams also offer a window into your general health. During a comprehensive exam, optometrists may detect signs of high blood pressure, diabetes, and even certain neurological conditions – all through a detailed look at your eyes.
How Often Should You Book an Eye Exam?
The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends the following:
- Every 1 to 2 years for adults aged 19 to 64
- Annually for children and seniors (under 18 or over 65)
- More frequently for individuals with diabetes, high prescriptions, or a family history of eye conditions
At Active Eyes Optometry, your Surrey eye doctor will personalize your exam schedule based on your needs and health history. Our team is committed to providing clear guidance and proactive care so you always know when to return and what to look out for in the meantime.
Eye Exams in Surrey, BC
If it’s been a while since your last eye exam, there’s no better time to get back on track. At Active Eyes Optometry, we provide comprehensive, comfortable care for patients of all ages – and we make sure your appointment is both informative and efficient.
We’re proud to serve families across Surrey and the surrounding communities. Whether you’re updating your prescription glasses, managing a chronic condition, or simply checking in on your eye health, our team is here to help you see your best.
Contact us today to schedule your eye exam in Surrey.