Regular eye and vision exams are essential for maintaining healthy vision. Whether you’re due for a routine check-up, experiencing vision changes, or managing an ongoing eye condition, the expert staff at 20/20 Eye Physicians of Indiana are to provide personalized eye exams tailored to your unique needs.
Why Are Eye Exams Important?
There are many reasons why regular eye exams are a crucial component of maintaining overall health and well-being. Most importantly, eye exams are essential for detecting vision problems early on.
Many eye conditions, such as glaucoma and macular degeneration, develop gradually and may not cause noticeable symptoms in their early stages. Regular check-ups allow for timely intervention, which can prevent or slow the progression of these conditions, potentially saving your vision.

What is a Refractive Error?
Refractive errors are common vision problems that happen when the shape of your eye prevents light from focusing directly on the retina. This results in blurred vision, which can vary in severity.
The four main types of refractive errors are:
Refractive errors are usually correctable with glasses, contact lenses, or, in some cases, refractive surgery. Regular eye exams can detect changes in your refractive error, ensuring that your vision correction remains up-to-date and effective.
What Happens During an Eye Exam?
An eye exam is a comprehensive evaluation of your vision and eye health. It typically involves several tests, each designed to assess different aspects of your eyes and vision.
The main parts of a thorough eye exam are:
Vision Testing
This is often the first step in an eye exam. You’ll be asked to read letters or numbers from a chart positioned at a specific distance.
This test measures your visual acuity, or how clearly you can see. The results are typically expressed as a fraction, such as 20/20, which is considered normal vision.
Refraction
Refraction is the process of determining your exact prescription for glasses or contact lenses. Your eye doctor or technician will use various lenses and instruments to fine-tune your prescription.
They may use a phoropter, a device containing many lenses, and ask you to compare different lens options. This process helps determine the combination of lenses that provides the clearest vision for you.
Eye Muscle Testing
This test evaluates how well your eyes work together. Your 20/20 Eye Physicians of Indiana eye care professional will observe your eye movements as you follow a moving object, such as a pen or small light.
This test checks for eye muscle imbalances or other issues that could cause eye strain or interfere with your vision.
Pupil Testing
Your pupils’ response to light can provide important information about your eye health. Your eye doctor or technician will shine a bright light into each of your eyes to see how your pupils react in response.
Abnormal pupil reactions can indicate various eye or health problems.
Eye Pressure Testing
This test, also known as tonometry, measures the pressure inside your eyes. It’s an important screening tool for glaucoma, a condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that can damage the optic nerve.
The test is usually quick and painless.
Dilated Eye Exam
This part of the exam allows the eye care professional to thoroughly examine the internal structures of your eye. Eye drops are used to dilate, or widen, your pupils, allowing more light to enter your eye.
This makes it easier for your eye doctor to examine your retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels at the back of your eye.
Is it time for you to have an eye exam? Schedule an appointment at 20/20 Eye Physicians of Indiana in Indianapolis, IN, today!