General Check-up
The general check-up usually includes the following tests, to which further tests may be added as required:
Objective refraction
This test measures the refractive power of the eye by projecting a point of light onto the ocular fundus and automatically focusing it (auto refraction). This also automatically determines the curvature and diameter of the cornea. Objective refraction can indicate the presence of a refractive error and thus provides the necessary data for fitting glasses and contact lenses.
Subjective refraction / visual acuity testing
Traditional visual acuity testing takes the form of subjective refraction, which involves the identification of ever smaller visual signs (e.g. numbers). Subjective refraction indicates the level of visual acuity with and without correction and thus provides the necessary data for adjusting visual aids (glasses or contact lenses). In addition, it provides clues as to whether further examinations, including colour vision tests or orthoptic tests such as spatial vision tests and mobility tests (strabismus, misalignment of the eyes) will be necessary.
Slit-lamp examination
Examination of the anterior parts of the eye (eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea, anterior chamber, iris, pupil, lens, anterior parts of the vitreous). The slit-lamp examination provides information about inflammations, illnesses, malformations, clouding of the lens, etc.
Funduscopy / ophthalmoscopy
Testing of the ocular fundus with slit lamp and magnifying glass / ophthalmoscope / contact glass. This makes it possible conduct the following tests:
- 1. in the event of a constricted pupil: testing of the central retina with optic nerve and macula (the site of sharpest vision)
- 2. in the event of a dilated pupil: testing of the entire retina (centre and periphery), including the optic nerve, macula, vessels, retinal changes (cracks, holes, anomalies such as bleeding, diabetic retinal diseases, vascular occlusions, etc.)
In order to assess the ocular fundus properly, it is often necessary to dilate the pupil. This is achieved by administering eye drops and usually lasts for about 2-3 hours. During this period, you may experience impaired vision and heightened sensitivity to glare. For this reason, you are not allowed to drive with dilated pupils.
Should it not be possible to dilate your pupils for any reason, we can also offer you a so-called optomap scan (Optos) in our practice. Optomap is an ultra-wide-angle laser technology that captures a 200° scan of the retina in a single image without having to dilate the pupil. This makes it possible to detect and document even peripheral conditions such as retinal tears or tumours.
Eye tonometry
Applanation tonometry measures the eye’s intraocular pressure, after anaesthetic drops with a short-term effect have been applied to the surface of the eye. Alternatively, the intraocular pressure can also be measured non-invasively by means of a contactless tonometer. In order to accurately determine the intraocular pressure, we always measure the thickness of the cornea using pachymetry. Tonometry provides information about any increases in intraocular pressure (glaucoma).
Fitness-to-drive test
We will issue fitness-to-drive certificates and conduct periodic eye tests / age-related eye tests, based on the guidelines established by the road traffic licensing office.