If you have never had an eye exam before, you may be wondering what to expect during your first visit to our optometrist near you at Harlingen Eye Clinic in Harlingen, TX. Keep reading to learn more about what you can anticipate during your initial eye exam with your local eye doctor.

Checking Your Visual Acuity

One of the first things the eye doctor will do is assess your visual acuity. This involves reading letters or looking at images on an eye chart from a distance. The goal is to determine how well you can see at various distances with and without corrective lenses. Based on your answers, the optometrist can prescribe eyeglasses or contacts to improve your vision.

Eye Health Evaluation

In addition to checking your vision, the optometrist will also do a comprehensive eye health evaluation. This may involve putting drops in your eyes to dilate your pupils. Dilation allows the doctor to get a better view inside your eyes to check for any issues. The eye doctor will examine your eyes with a slit lamp to look for signs of eye diseases or abnormalities. Early detection is critical for positive outcomes.

Eyeglass Prescription Assessment

If the doctor determines you need corrective lenses or you are updating your current prescription, the eye exam will involve determining your refractive error. This includes assessing nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia. The process involves looking through various lenses in a phoropter while responding to the doctor's questions on image clarity to pinpoint the right prescription.

Additional Tests as Needed

Depending on your symptoms, medical history, and initial exam findings, our optometrist may recommend additional tests. These could include tests to check your eye pressure, visualize your retina, evaluate your eye alignment, and more. Our eye doctor will explain why the tests are recommend and what the costs may be.

Trying Out Eyeglasses

Once the doctor determines your eyeglass prescription, you will get to pick out frames and try on glasses! This exciting part of the exam involves assessing the fit, comfort, and appearance of different eyeglass styles. The optometrist will make any adjustments needed to ensure your glasses suit your needs and preferences.

Schedule an Appointment Today for Vision Treatment or Eye Exams

Visiting the eye doctor for the first time does not need to be scary. The skilled optometrist at Harlingen Eye Clinic in Harlingen, TX, will guide you through every step of your eye exam while providing compassionate, personalized eye care. We offer services for the whole family, from pediatric eye care to degenerative disease management, we can help. Call today to schedule your first appointment and start prioritizing your vision health.