A comprehensive eye examination is more than just checking whether you need glasses. It’s a thorough assessment of the health of your eyes, the clarity of your vision, and the function of the visual system as a whole. Many serious eye conditions, including glaucoma and macular degeneration, develop without noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Regular examinations allow these conditions to be detected early, when treatment is most effective.
At Pure Sight Eye Surgeons, we use advanced diagnostic technology alongside detailed clinical examination to provide a complete picture of your eye health.
What Does a Comprehensive Eye Examination Include?
Your examination may include some or all of the following, depending on your symptoms, age, and risk factors:
- Visual acuity — measuring how clearly you see at distance and near, with and without correction
- Refraction — determining your optical prescription for glasses or contact lenses
- Slit lamp examination — a microscope is used to examine the front structures of the eye in detail, including the eyelids, cornea, iris, and lens
- Intraocular pressure measurement (tonometry) — checking the pressure inside your eyes, which is important for glaucoma screening
- Dilated fundus examination — drops widen the pupils so the doctor can examine the retina, macula, optic nerve, and blood vessels at the back of the eye
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT) — a non-invasive scan that produces detailed cross-sectional images of the retina and optic nerve, useful for detecting early changes from conditions like macular degeneration and glaucoma
- Colour fundus photography — photographs of the retina that provide a baseline record for monitoring changes over time
Who Should Have Regular Eye Examinations?
Everyone should have their eyes checked periodically, but certain groups benefit from more frequent monitoring:
- People over 50 (risk of cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration increases with age)
- People with diabetes (diabetic retinopathy can develop without symptoms)
- People with a family history of glaucoma, macular degeneration, or other inherited eye conditions
- People taking medications that can affect the eyes, such as corticosteroids
- People who have had previous eye surgery or eye injuries
- People with high myopia (short-sightedness increases the risk of retinal problems)
If you’re unsure how often you should have your eyes checked, your GP, optometrist, or our team can advise based on your individual circumstances.
Beyond the Examination
At Pure Sight, a general eye examination doesn’t stop at diagnosis. If a condition is found, your doctor will explain it, discuss the treatment options, and create a management plan tailored to your needs. For some conditions, this means monitoring with regular follow-up visits. For others, it may involve starting medication, scheduling surgery, or coordinating care with your GP or other specialists.
We also work with your referring optometrist or GP to ensure continuity of care. After your appointment, we’ll send a detailed report to your referrer summarising our findings and recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I have an eye examination?
As a general guide, adults should have a comprehensive eye examination every 2 years over the age of 50, or more frequently such as yearly if you have risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, a family history of eye disease, or are over 65. Your doctor or optometrist can recommend an appropriate schedule for you.
Do I need a referral for a general eye check?
To see an ophthalmologist at Pure Sight, you’ll need a referral from a GP or optometrist. For routine eye checks without specific concerns, your local optometrist can provide excellent primary eye care and refer you to us if they identify anything that needs specialist attention.
Is an eye examination painful?
No. Most tests are painless and non-invasive. The pupil dilation drops may sting briefly, and your vision will be blurry for a few hours afterwards, but the examination itself is comfortable.