A full eye checkup, done properly, not in five minutes

What is checked

A full examination looks at how well you see, the health of the front of the eye, the pressure inside it, and the retina and optic nerve at the back. Each part answers a different question, which is why a real checkup takes time.

• Visual acuity: how clearly you read down the chart, each eye separately
• Refraction and retinoscopy: the exact spectacle or contact lens power you need
• Slit lamp examination: the cornea, lens and iris under magnification
• Tonometry: the pressure inside the eye, the main glaucoma risk factor
• Dilated fundus examination: the retina and optic nerve, seen properly
• Visual field test: side vision, where glaucoma damage shows up first
• Colour vision: checked where the history calls for it

How often

Under forty, once a year is usually enough if you have no symptoms. Over forty, every six months to a year, because pressure and lens changes start to matter. If you are diabetic, have a family history of glaucoma, or are on long term steroids, come more often and say so when you book.

Bring these with you

Your current glasses or lenses, any previous prescription or eye report, a list of medicines you take, and your most recent blood sugar reading if you are diabetic. If your eyes are going to be dilated, plan not to drive for a few hours afterwards and bring sunglasses.

Questions people ask about this