Section IV: Current Eye Exam Technology

Current test method

  • The Snellen card is used for nearpoint or reading testing

  • It dates back to it's invention in the 1860s

  • It's very difficult to demonstrate a computer prescription to the patient with a Snellen card

  • Cross-cylinder test is also used

  • The test uses vertical and horizontal lines

  • It has much the same limits as those of the Snellen card

Current testing method

  • Patient is taken out of exam room in order to use trial lenses in front of the office computer

  • This type of test is time consuming for all concerned

  • It is also subjective only. It provides no objective information

  • The whole process can be distracting to both the patient and the staff

Modern Examination Technology

What is Needed

  • An exam chair testing instrument is needed that duplicates the focusing demands of a computer

  • The instrument should meet certain requirements

Requirements

  • It should simulate a computer screen

  • It should duplicate edge definition of pixels

  • It should produce the same accommodative response from the patient that a computer would

Other test requirements

  • Whenever doctor finds that a second prescription is clinically indicated

  • The exam process should be capable of convincing the patient of the need for computer eyeglasses

The Computer Exam

  • Which patients should be tested?

  • Every computer user should be offered a computer eye examination

  • In particular, those who work two or more hours per day on a computer should receive computer testing

  • Anyone experiencing one or more symptoms of computer eyestrain.

Patients

  • Some patients are very aware of their problem

  • Some will be identified by the front office screening in your office

  • Others become aware of problem only after they have received advice during the exam and have received a computer-specific Rx

The doctor needs to know

  • Patient's distance correction

Working distance to computer screen

    • From bridge of nose to screen center

    • Additional information required for dispensing computer-specific eyewear (more on this later)

    When the patient doesn't know

    • Their computer working distance

    • Ask them to reach out and put hand approximately where their monitor is located

    • Correct distance is an important factor in determining their computer prescription

    • Moderate to advanced presbyopes who don't know will need to be rescheduled

    To continue, click on Section Five, Lesson One in the left column