comprehensive history
When you come in for your first visit, we will ask you to complete a two-page general health and ocular health history form. On return visits, we will update your information as it changes. The information we collect is essential for complete care of your eyes and vision. Some questions we will ask include:
General health questions
Many of our patients don't realize how important their general health is to the health of their eyes. Diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorder, and arthritis, among many others, as well as a wide variety of medications can adversely affect your vision or your eye health.
Family history questions
Some eye and health problems are hereditary, so it is important to take your family history into consideration. There may be preventative steps you can take to decrease your chances of developing hereditary conditions and diseases.
Questions about allergies to foods and medications
Sometimes allergies to foods and medications may be related to allergies that affect your eyes. It is important for Dr. Ni to know what allergies may affect the conditions of your eyes.
It is important that you provide us with as much information as you can when filling out your health history forms. If you have any questions or concerns, we are more than happy to assist you.
When you come in for your first visit, we will ask you to complete a two-page general health and ocular health history form. On return visits, we will update your information as it changes. The information we collect is essential for complete care of your eyes and vision. Some questions we will ask include:
General health questions
Many of our patients don't realize how important their general health is to the health of their eyes. Diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorder, and arthritis, among many others, as well as a wide variety of medications can adversely affect your vision or your eye health.
Family history questions
Some eye and health problems are hereditary, so it is important to take your family history into consideration. There may be preventative steps you can take to decrease your chances of developing hereditary conditions and diseases.
Questions about allergies to foods and medications
Sometimes allergies to foods and medications may be related to allergies that affect your eyes. It is important for Dr. Ni to know what allergies may affect the conditions of your eyes.
It is important that you provide us with as much information as you can when filling out your health history forms. If you have any questions or concerns, we are more than happy to assist you.
comprehensive exams
Dr. Ni prides herself on providing the highest standard of care in her examinations. During a comprehensive exam she will not only evaluate the quality of your vision, but also the health of the whole eye. A comprehensive eye exam can provide early detection of other health problems including glaucoma, diabetes, vascular diseases and many others.
Our comprehensive exams include the following important services:
Dr. Ni prides herself on providing the highest standard of care in her examinations. During a comprehensive exam she will not only evaluate the quality of your vision, but also the health of the whole eye. A comprehensive eye exam can provide early detection of other health problems including glaucoma, diabetes, vascular diseases and many others.
Our comprehensive exams include the following important services:
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Checking your prescription
Refraction exam This is the determination of your eyeglass prescription. Dr. Ni will spend time analyzing your current prescription and how it may or may not be working for you. She will then determine a plan to help you see more clearly and comfortably. Checking for changes in eye health
Retinal fundus photography This sophisticated, state-of-the-art technology captures an image of the back of your eye. Dr. Ni incorporates this tool as part of the comprehensive exam to provide the highest standard of care. Taking a photo of the optic nerve, macula, blood vessels, and retina at each comprehensive exam allows Dr. Ni to track any changes that may occur to those structures over time. It is a valuable tool in diagnosing eye diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive retinopathy, and many others. Each patient's photos are stored in our database, allowing Dr. Ni to monitor disease progression year after year. |
Checking your eye health
Slit lamp biomicroscopy exam With her microscope, Dr. Ni will examine the eyelids, eyelashes, and the anterior portion of your eye, including the conjunctiva, cornea, and iris. Checking for eye damage
Dilation of your pupils This involves the use of eye drops that will enlarge your pupils. It is important to dilate the pupils so that Dr. Ni can obtain a very clear view of the internal structures of your eyes using moderately bright light. Normally this amount of light would cause the pupil to constrict. The dilating drops temporarily prevent the normal constriction of the pupil. While these drops do not hurt, they can create blurred close vision for reading and a greater than normal sensitivity to bright light. Both of these side effects will last for 3-6 hours depending on your sensitivity to the medication and your eye color. You should remember to bring your own sunglasses but if you forget we will supply a disposable pair for you to wear home. Some patients feel more comfortable if they have a driver to get them home safely, although that is a rare occurrence. |
Checking for glaucoma
Applanation tomometry exam Dr. Ni will measure the internal pressure of your eye (unrelated to your blood pressure) using a sophisticated instrument that utilizes a blue light. This is one of the tests she will use to determine if you have glaucoma. Many of our patients have experienced a different version of the glaucoma test that utilizes a puff of air. The "air puff" test is much less reliable and far more uncomfortable than the "blue light" version. Dr. Ni uses only the applanation technique as it is considered essential for the highest standard of care. Checking your peripheral vision
Computerized visual field exam This will test your peripheral, or side vision. Depending on your general and eye health, Dr. Ni will perform either a screening test or will go to more detail to detect subtle defects that may be the first warning signs of disease. |
advanced testing
The following tests may be performed if necessary:
The following tests may be performed if necessary:
- Keratometry: A measurement of the curve of your cornea for contact lens fittings.
- Depth perception: A test of your 3-D vision.
- Color vision: To test if you are colorblind or color deficient.
- Computerized corneal mapping: To detect abnormalities that might interfere with laser surgery.
- Blood pressure: To test for both general and eye health.
children's considerations
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Did you know...
That it is critical for children of all ages to have their vision fully checked? Vision problems in children can contribute to motor-skills difficulties, learning problems, reading problems, and many other problems. Vision screenings performed in school often do not catch the disorders that Dr. Ni will check for during a full children's eye exam. |
Working with children
Children under eight years old will often have difficulty sitting long enough for most of these tests. Dr. Ni normally performs modified versions of the adult tests. However, dilation of the pupil is recommended and is completely safe for all children, including infants. |