Eye Examinations

Examinations are comprehensive and include assessment of vision and eye health. Common vision issues include short-sightedness, long-sightedness and age-related decreases in vision. It is also important to assess convergence- and focus-related issues which can cause visual fatigue or double vision at various distances. Common eye health issues include dry eye and cataracts. You may have eye health problems even if your sight feels clear. Therefore eye health checks are still recommended for those with clear sight and those who have had laser refractive surgery to screen for diseases such as glaucoma and macular degeneration.

Dilated Eye Examination

Pupil dilation is a significant addition to a comprehensive eye exam as it allows the optometrist to fully examine the retina at the back of your eyes. Once drops are instilled in the eyes, the optometrist uses a special magnifying lens that allows better view of the structures at the back of the eye, including the macula, optic nerve, blood vessels and peripheral retina. A patient with diabetic retinopathy may show swelling or leaking of blood vessels in the retina and may also show abnormal growth of blood vessels in the retina. A patient with age-related macular degeneration may show yellow deposits of pigment beneath the retina. A patient with glaucoma may show changes in the shape and colour of the optic nerve.

Dry Eye Management

Dry eye disease is a very common eye condition that affects all age groups. There are several causes of dry eyes including insufficient production of tears and/or poor meibum oil quality. The latter is known to be the most common cause of dry eyes referred to as evaporative dry eyes or Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. Meibomian glands sit along the lid margins and they normally contribute clear oil to the tear film to keep the surface of your eyes hydrated. At Strathfield Eyecare in addition to routine optometric care, we have a special interest in management of dry eye disease. We are passionate about managing patients’ dry eye disease by thoroughly examining the eyes and recommending treatment for dry eyes that is tailored to individual patient needs.

Please see Dry Eyes Strathfield for more information on dry eye assessment and treatment.