Many diagnostic tests are performed during the course of a routine eye examination. Some of the more common instruments used during these tests can be found in most optometric offices. Brief descriptions of each of their functions are provided below:

Phoropter
A phoropter is an instrument that allows the doctor to accurately determine a patient�s needed prescription for glasses or contact lenses. As lenses of the phoropter are dialed in, a patient is asked to respond which lenses yield clearer vision.




Auto-refractor

An auto-refractor is a computerized instrument which estimates the needed prescription power of the lenses. It is valuable in that it gives the doctor a quicker starting point to begin the refraction with the phoroptor.



Tonometer

Tonometers are used to measure pressure on the inside of the eye and screens for certain conditions, such as glaucoma.





Automated visual field testing

Automated visual field testing can detect a multitude of problems found in the eyes or in the brain. Problems such as retinal detachments, strokes of the optic nerve and in associated structures, brain tumors, and aneurysms can all be detected by the use of this advanced test.


Ophthalmoscope

The doctor uses this instrument to obtain a 2-dimensional view of the posterior aspects of the eye - namely the retina and optic nerve.





Digital Imaging

Digital imaging allows the doctor to take digital photographs of the anterior and posterior structures of the eyes to help document disease and pathological changes. These digital computer images can be saved into the patient�s file for future reference and comparison. They can be e-mailed to specialists around the country for consultation.

Computerized Corneal Topography

Computerized corneal topography creates a detailed topographical computerized mapping of the front surface curvature of the cornea. This highly technological tool is essential in diagnosing multiple corneal pathologies.