What’s included in a comprehensive eye test?
Here at G.T. Harvey & Partners we pride ourselves on having a suite of advanced technology that enables us to provide you with one of the most comprehensive eye tests available today.
During every eye test we carry out, we use some very traditional, yet tried and tested methods of testing your eye sight. Most of us will be familiar with reading lines of letters on a board that get smaller with each line for example.
But what about the technological advances that allow us to delve deeper into your eye health, detecting, monitoring and even preventing certain conditions?
OUR COMPREHENSIVE EYE TEST TECHNOLOGY…
Optomap
The Optomap camera takes photographs of the back of the eye (the retina). This allows us to see areas of the eye we are physically unable to see due to the shape of the eye ball. This enables us to pick up changes much earlier.
OCT Anterior including Pachymetry
The Anterior OCT scans the different layers and structures at the front of the eye. This allows us to identify potential problems which may lead to glaucoma.
OCT Posterior
The OCT scan of the back of the eye is like being able to take an MRI of the eye. This allows us to scan through the layers which is something we are unable to do with the naked eye. This allows us to detect early changes such as glaucoma and macula degeneration years before what we have previously been able to do.
Anterior Segment Photography
By taking photographs of the front of the eye we are able to monitor changes at each visit more accurately. These photographs are only taken when there is something we’d like to monitor.
MPod
The MPod measures macula pigment density. This tells us the functional ability of the macula so we can monitor deterioration. This test is completed on those where we feel there is a concern, such as family history of macula degeneration.
Corneal Topography
The Corneal Topographer takes a map of the front of the eye, plotting the exact shape of the eye ball. This ensures we can pick up any subtle changes which we are unable to see just by looking at the eye.
How often should I get my eyes tested?
We recommend having your eyes tested every 1-2 years depending on your age. We’d love to welcome you to the practice, and you can book your eye test online now. The cost of some eye tests is covered by the NHS. Check here to see if you are entitled to free eye tests.
Recommended eye test frequency by age:
- Under 16: once a year
- 16 to 19: every two years
- 20-60: every two years (for some patients we recommend every year for various prescription or health reasons)
- 60+ every two years unless we need to see you yearly
Watch our eye test video
We’ve put together a short video featuring a comprehensive eye test at our practice.