Eye and Low Vision Examinations: What to Expect and Advocate For
Regular eye exams are essential for protecting your sight and detecting changes early. For people with low vision, a specialized exam can provide even more information to help you make the best use of your remaining vision. This guide explains the difference between a standard comprehensive exam and a low vision examination, what to expect from each, and how they can help you in daily life.
Vision Screening vs. Comprehensive Eye Exam
Many people are familiar with quick vision screenings — such as reading an eye chart at school, at a DMV office, or during a routine check-up. These screenings can flag problems, but they cannot replace a comprehensive exam.
A comprehensive eye exam is performed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist and may include:
- Health and medication history – how your overall health and prescriptions might affect vision.
- Vision history – past eye problems, family history, or sudden changes.
- Visual acuity – clarity of sight, often measured with letters on a chart.
- Refraction – finding the right prescription for glasses or contacts.
- Eye health check – using lights, lenses, and dilation* to examine the front and back of the eye.
- Visual field testing – checking your side vision.
Expect this type of exam to last about 30–60 minutes. It should include dilation, so plan ahead for temporary blur or light sensitivity. *To learn more about the importance of a dilated eye exam, read Get a Dilated Eye Exam | National Eye Institute.
What Makes a Low Vision Examination Different?
If glasses, contact lenses, surgery, or medication cannot fully correct your vision, you may benefit from a low vision examination. This specialized exam goes beyond medical testing. Its goal is to help you use your remaining vision more effectively and to identify tools and strategies that support independence.
A low vision exam may include:
- Detailed questions about daily life – reading, cooking, traveling, using technology, managing money, or recognizing faces.
- Functional testing – how well you see in different lighting, how glare affects you, how you handle contrast, how peripheral or central vision affects your daily functioning, how various colors affect your use of vision, and whether magnifiers or technologies improve clarity.
- Eye Health Evaluation – A standard eye exam will be performed, including a check of external eye structures, fluid pressure (intraocular pressure), and an internal dilated exam of the retina and optic nerve.
- Specialized vision charts – designed to measure reading ability in various lighting, near vision, and real-world tasks.
- Device evaluation – trying out magnifiers, telescopes, filters, or electronic aids to see what works best for you.
- Rehabilitation planning – referrals to low vision therapists, occupational therapists, or orientation and mobility specialists for training and strategies.
A low vision exam usually takes longer — sometimes two to three times as long as a regular eye exam — because it focuses on practical solutions and hands-on demonstrations.
Why These Exams Matter
Both types of exams play important roles:
- A comprehensive exam checks the health of your eyes and can detect or monitor diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy. It measures your visual acuity and any loss of visual field.
- A low vision exam helps you manage the effects of vision loss in everyday life. Instead of focusing only on diagnosis, it emphasizes how to improve the function of your vision.
Together, they provide a fuller picture of your vision needs.
How to Prepare
- Bring your glasses, contacts, and any low vision devices you currently use.
- Make a list of medications and eye history.
- Write down your biggest challenges such as reading labels, using a computer, or navigating safely.
- Bring a support person if possible, to help take notes or provide assistance.
- Ask for information in accessible formats (large print, digital, or audio) if needed.
After the Exam
Once testing is complete, your provider may:
- Recommend glasses, contacts, or other medical treatments.
- Suggest low vision devices such as magnifiers, telescopes, or technologies for daily activities.
- Refer you to rehabilitation services for training and support.
- Provide follow-up appointments to track changes over time.
Key Takeaway
- Comprehensive eye exams focus on detecting and treating disease.
- Low vision exams focus on making the most of remaining sight.
- Both are important, and together they help you protect your vision and live more independently.
If you notice changes in your sight, don’t wait. Schedule an exam and ask whether a low vision evaluation could help you.
Resources
To gather information on low vision examinations, review the following resources:
Low Vision Exam: Purpose, Results, and Treatments
Low Vision Eye Care and Exams | TRICARE
Low Vision | National Eye Institute
Get Free or Low-Cost Eye Care | National Eye Institute