What to Expect During an Eye Exam — from Start to Finish

Many people feel a bit of "white coat syndrome" when they visit the eye doctor. Whether it's the puff of air or the dark room, it's normal to wonder what's going on during your appointment. At Wicker Park Eye Center, we want you to feel comfortable from the moment you walk in.

A comprehensive eye exam is more than just checking your vision for a new pair of glasses. It's a deep dive into your overall health that can reveal signs of systemic issues long before you feel them. 

Dr. Daniel Tepper and our team in Chicago, Illinois, focus on personalized care to ensure your sight stays sharp for years to come.

Knowing what to expect can take the mystery out of the process. Here's how we guide you through a thorough exam from start to finish.

How to prepare for your visit

Before you sit in the exam chair, we need to know your medical history. Your family's history is arguably the most important piece of information you can bring. If your parents had glaucoma, a condition that damages the optic nerve, let Dr. Tepper know immediately.

You should also bring a full list of your current medications and be ready to discuss any changes in your vision. That helps us tailor the exam to your needs and risk factors.

Navigating the vision tests

This is the part most people recognize. We use a series of lenses to find your perfect prescription. This process, called refraction, is how we determine the exact lens power you need to see clearly at all distances.

You look through a device (phoropter) and tell us which lens makes the letters on the chart clearer. We also check how your eyes work together and how well your eye muscles move.

The ‘1 or 2’ test

Don't overthink the subjective refraction test where we ask if No. 1 or No. 2 looks better. If two lenses look the same, say so. That's actually the answer we're searching for to finalize your prescription. 

Stating they're the same helps us confirm we've reached the right endpoint for your vision needs, so don't feel like you're failing the test if you can't see a difference.

What happens during dilation?

To get a clear view of the back of your eye, we often use dilation drops to temporarily widen the pupil, the dark center of your eye. That helps us check for issues such as diabetic eye disease and macular degeneration. That’s the only way to see the retina and optic nerve in full detail.

Dilation drops are a vital medical tool, but they temporarily paralyze your pupil's ability to shrink in bright light. Bring dark sunglasses and arrange for a driver, as the light sensitivity can last well into the next day. It's a small inconvenience for an important health check.

For older adults, these annual dilated exams are critical for safety. Regular exams help prevent dangerous falls associated with vision impairment. Keeping your prescription current and your eyes healthy can help you stay active and independent.

Your vision is one of your most precious senses, and we're committed to protecting it. Don't wait until things get blurry to check in on your eye health. Whether you're due for a routine exam or have specific concerns, contact our office today to schedule your visit with Dr. Tepper.