Interpreting Eye Exams

All About Vision: Comprehensive Eye Exams: What to Expect

Many people aren't sure what to expect when they make an appointment with an eye doctor — especially if they've never had a comprehensive eye exam before or it's been many years since their last exam.

Eye doctors use a wide variety of tests and procedures to examine your eyes. These tests range from simple ones, like having you read an eye chart, to complex tests, such as using a high-powered lens to visualize the tiny structures inside of your eyes.

A comprehensive eye exam can take an hour or more, depending on the doctor and the number and complexity of tests required to fully evaluate your vision and the health of your eyes.

Eye Exam and Vision Testing Basics

Getting an eye exam is an important part of staying healthy. But do you know when you and your family members should get eye exams and what the exam should cover? Get the right exam at the right time and ensure your vision lasts a lifetime.

How to Read Your Eyeglasses Prescription

So, you've just had an eye exam and your eye doctor has given you an eyeglass prescription. He or she probably mentioned that you are nearsighted or farsighted, or perhaps you have astigmatism.

(If that's not the case, and you need an eye exam, find an eye doctor near you.)

But what do all those numbers on your eyeglass prescription mean? And what about all those abbreviated terms, such as OD, OS, SPH and CYL?

This article will help you read and understand your eyeglass prescription so you can discuss it with an optician when you buy new eyeglasses.