Examen visual para saber si necesitas gafas

Eye exam to see if you need glasses

Ophthalmologists point out the importance of undergoing an eye exam at least once a year . Even if you don't experience any eye discomfort or visual difficulty, it never hurts to check the health of your eyes.

The duration of a complete optometric examination usually does not exceed 20 minutes. In fact, the professionals at Óptica Bassol are trained to carry out a myopia test in just 10 seconds .

Vision tests are preventive health measures through which we can rule out and identify a multitude of eye pathologies. How do you know if you need glasses? Easy! Schedule your vision test online and choose any of our branches to have your annual check-up.

Below we explain everything you need to know about vision tests: how to perform the vision test, how the vision percentage is calculated, and more .

Keep reading!

What does an eye exam consist of?

Image by Freepik

In a very general way, an eye exam or test seeks to determine the state of ocular health of a patient . The objective is to diagnose or monitor possible pathologies, evaluating the performance of multiple ocular functions.

Some of the most common tests analyze the eyes' ability to perceive details at different distances. They also look at the ability to distinguish colors or adapt to changes in light in the environment.

Using such simple procedures it is possible to determine whether someone suffers from myopia, hyperopia, colour blindness or astigmatism.

There are different methods for ocular evaluation and diagnosis, most of them non-intrusive . Below we mention the most commonly used by professionals today.

Types of visual tests

Today, ophthalmologists and optometrists have a wide range of tools at their disposal for eye examinations. Certain pathologies such as myopia and astigmatism are so common that diagnosing them is relatively easy.

Many visual tests involve looking at a series of images and answering a couple of questions . Take a look at the following tests:

Presbyopia test

The term “presbyopia” refers to the progressive loss of our eyes’ ability to focus on nearby objects. Typically, This condition is linked to aging , and it manifests itself between the ages of 40 and 45. Blurred vision and eye fatigue are two of the most common symptoms of presbyopia.

Image of Admiravision

A very effective way to identify or rule out presbyopia is through a reading test. Place the computer screen or printed image at least 40 centimetres away and read it aloud. The patient is placed at a certain distance from the reading material and asked to read it aloud. If you have good vision, you should be able to read the entire message first with one eye and then with the other.

If you have difficulty understanding what is written with one of your eyes, you probably need glasses .

Astigmatism tests

Astigmatism is a fairly common eye condition, which occurs when the cornea or lens adopts an irregular curvature. The main problem with this condition is blurred or distorted vision . Astigmatism is a chronic condition, however, it can be counteracted by wearing glasses.

Image of Lentiamo

One of the most commonly used optical tests for diagnosing astigmatism is the hour circle test . The idea is to position yourself two meters away from the image and observe it, first with one eye and then with the other. If some of the lines appear less sharp than the others, we recommend scheduling an appointment with the optometrist .

Myopia and hyperopia test

Myopia is one of the most common eye conditions, characterized by difficulty focusing on distant objects . It is a hereditary condition, which can develop gradually or rapidly. It is also a chronic pathology, and its most common treatment is the use of glasses or contact lenses.

On the other hand, hyperopia has the opposite effect to myopia . Both pathologies involve refractive errors in the eye. However, in the case of hyperopia, it is close objects that are difficult to see.

Despite their differences, both myopia and hyperopia can be diagnosed using the same eye exam. Have you been wondering “how do I know if I have myopia”? Here is the answer!

Image of Opticaferreirasalamanca

The bichromatic test is a very useful tool used by ophthalmologists and optometrists worldwide . The principle is very simple: black symbols on red and green backgrounds should look equally sharp. Otherwise, you are probably short-sighted or long-sighted.

Visual acuity test

You've probably heard the expression “20/20 vision” at some point, referring to a level of perfect visual acuity. Do you know how the percentage of vision is calculated? The procedure is actually quite simple.

Image by Mdcalc

Use the Snellen test above, to do this, stand 3 meters away and try to read all the lines . If you are able to distinguish the characters on the last line easily, your vision is in excellent condition.

Are you having difficulty focusing on the characters in the test? Schedule an appointment !

Color blindness test

Color blindness is an eye condition characterized by the inability to distinguish between certain colors. This condition is mostly hereditary . However, it can also be caused by certain medications or other conditions. There are different types of color blindness, such as tritanomaly and tritanopia. Although it exists in the animal kingdom, total color blindness is rare in humans.

Image by Colorblindnesstest

Due to its nature, color blindness is fairly easy to diagnose. The Ishihara test is one of the most commonly used visual tests for analyzing color perception disorders . The test presents a series of circles of different colors with numbers inside. If you are unable to distinguish any of the numbers, you probably have some form of color blindness.

Although there is no cure for color blindness, color-coded glasses can be used to correct the most common red-green color blindness .

Instruments used in optical testing

Today, ophthalmologists and optometrists have access to a multitude of machines and tools for diagnosing and treating eye conditions. These devices allow them to study eye function quickly and accurately.

Below we list some of the most common optical instruments. We also briefly explain what each one is used for.

Autorefractometer

The first autorefractometer was created in the 1980s by German physiologist Hermann von Helmholtz. This machine automatically measures the refraction in the tear duct, cornea and lens of each of your eyes . By analyzing these factors, the autorefractometer provides the optometrist with an approximate reading of the patient's vision prescription.

Autorefractometers are non-invasive instruments that speed up and optimize eye diagnosis. If you already wear glasses, the optometrist can compare your current prescription with that of your glasses using a frontofocometer .

Retinoscope

The retinoscope is a hand-held tool that measures the refractive power of the eyes . This instrument projects a point of light into the patient's pupil and captures the reflection returned by the eye. Then, by using multiple lenses, the optometrist neutralizes the reflection to accurately calculate your eye prescription.

Non-contact Tonometer

The purpose of this machine is to measure intraocular pressure levels , a very important factor for eye well-being.

The non-contact tonometer shoots air into the eyes, which bounces back to the instrument. From this simple procedure, the tonometer is able to calculate the internal pressure of each eye.

Optotypes

Without a doubt, optotypes are one of the most commonly used tools in visual acuity tests. In fact, we have already mentioned several when talking about the most common visual tests.

Optotypes are panels or boards with letters, numbers, symbols or figures printed on them . These figures vary in size and are classified in tenths of vision.

With the help of optotypes, it is possible to determine how good a person's vision is at certain distances. In addition, optotypes also allow the identification of abnormalities in color perception.

Biomicroscope or slit lamp

A biomicroscope is an optical device through which it is possible to observe the outer portion of the eye . It is a binocular microscope with built-in light that facilitates the detection of possible lesions or abnormalities in the cornea, iris or lens. The slit lamp provides a magnified three-dimensional image.

Slit lamp vision testing is a primary examination for contact lens wearers.

Ophthalmoscope

The ophthalmoscope is an instrument used by ophthalmologists and optometrists to obtain a magnified view of the back of the eye . By examining the back of the eyeball, it is possible to check the condition of the retina, blood vessels and the entrance to the optic nerve.

The operation of this tool consists of the reflection of a beam of light through mirrors that illuminates the patient's eye. Nowadays, ophthalmoscopes have a wheel or disk that alters the shape and intensity of the emitted light. In this way, it is possible to work with miotic pupils and dilated pupils, as well as to rule out different conditions.

Campimeter

This instrument is used to perform visual perimetry tests. That is, a study of the patient's visual field, as well as any possible injuries and limitations. Traditional campimeters or perimeters project points of light onto a black background, measuring the amplitude of peripheral or lateral vision.

Today, most perimeters are computerized and bowl-shaped. All the patient has to do is rest his or her head on the perimeter supports and look into the perimeter.

Why is it important to have regular eye exams?

Whether you experience vision problems or not, we encourage you to get your vision tested . Degeneration caused by many eye conditions can be prevented and corrected if they are diagnosed early . On the contrary, neglecting the health of your eyes could accelerate this degenerative process.

According to experts, young adults should have an eye exam every year. Children around 4 years old, teenagers and older adults deserve special follow-up.

A person's vision and quality of life can be significantly improved with the help of prescription glasses with the right prescription.

When should you get your eyes tested? | Symptoms caused by vision problems

We mentioned above the importance of having your eyes tested periodically. In addition to this, there are some indicators that could mean that it is time to have an eye exam. Below we describe some symptoms that may be related to different eye pathologies .

Eye fatigue

It's normal for your eyes to feel tired after spending too much time reading or in front of the computer. Eye fatigue can be a direct consequence of overexertion. However, if you have been experiencing this symptom regularly, we recommend that you visit an optometrist .

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of multiple eye conditions, including presbyopia, myopia and astigmatism. Find out if you need glasses by booking an eye exam on our platform .

Headaches

Do you suffer from constant headaches? This may be due to a refractive error in your eyes. Conditions such as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism can cause severe and continuous headaches . In these cases, the headache is often accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue, hypersensitivity to light or eye irritation.

Blurry vision

Blurry vision is an undeniable symptom of eye conditions, and is also one of the most common . If you have trouble seeing clearly up close or far away, it is best to visit an optometrist. The same applies if your eyes have trouble adjusting to changes in light.

You should keep in mind that blurred vision is not the same as blindness, whether total or partial. Generally, when an eye doctor talks about “blurred vision” he or she is referring to a decrease in the sharpness or clarity with which things are perceived. This is something that usually develops gradually.

Do you have blurred vision? Make an appointment with the optometrist !

Diplopia or double vision

Diplopia, also known as double vision, is a visual disorder that can be caused by an eye disease. Excessive pressure on the eye or extreme fatigue can cause double vision. However, this is a symptom that should not be ignored.

Strabismus and refractive errors may be the cause of diplopia . With this in mind, experts recommend visiting an ophthalmologist or optometrist at the first sign of this symptom.

Diplopia may occur horizontally, vertically or obliquely. In addition, it may affect both eyes (binocular diplopia) or just one (monocular diplopia).

Take your vision test at Óptica Bassol

Are you located within the Iberian Peninsula? We invite you to Schedule an appointment for a complete eye exam at any of our branches .

With Bassol Optics, the well-being of your eyes is guaranteed. We not only carry out eye tests, but we also offer you the best prices on frames and lenses .

At Bassol Optics we work with ZEISS lenses to offer you a guarantee of unrivalled optical performance in sunglasses and prescription glasses. We also have original frames from renowned brands such as:

Find the perfect glasses for you in our brand catalog !

Free shipping to the entire Peninsula

We work for your convenience, we bring our products to wherever you are. Shipments made to the Iberian Peninsula through Óptica Bassol are handled by the company . For this we have the support of GLS Business Parcel.

Do you want to order to the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, Ceuta or Melilla? We also work hand in hand with Correos Express! In addition, we ship to the rest of the world via DHL Express, FedEx and UPS.

For more information, please consult our Shipping and Delivery section and read our Returns and Exchanges Policy . Likewise, feel free to contact us by calling 93 122 60 35 or through info@opticabassol.com .

Thank you for trusting Bassol Optics!

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