Ophthalmology
Visual acuity
The patient looks (with or without his glasses) at a chart and reads letters of diminishing size. This test measures the visual acuity at close and distant ranges.
Tonometry
The ophthalmologist measures the pressure inside each eye. This examination is not painful. Anaesthetic drops are instilled beforehand. This examination is more difficult to perform if you wear soft lenses.
Glaucoma is an increased intraocular pressure. (Higher than 20 mm Hg). This is mostly painless but can irreversibly destroy the optic nerve. This may lead to diminished eyesight or even blindness. Early detection is therefore essential.
Optic fundus
With an ophthalmoscope, the specialist will look into the eye. This allows the doctor to examine the papilla, the blood vessels in the eye and the retina.