When it comes to your eyes, most people think, “If I see fine, then there are no problems”. Unfortunately, this is not the case. The vision test or “sight test” is only a small part of an eye exam. There is more to an eye exam then just reading the chart. Checking your vision is just one component of a full comprehensive exam. But there are many other tests that are preformed when checking the eyes. Along with having your vision checked, it is really important to routinely check the health of the eyes as well. As good vision has a direct relationship to healthy eyes.

Just like any other medical profession, the field of optometry is full of long medical terms. Many words in optometry, have their root in latin and can sometimes be hard to spell and pronounce. There are many people who require vision correction, more mainstream words have been created to be used synonymously with the proper medical names. These words are both easier to remember and pronounce then their medical counterparts. Here are some common optical terms that you may hear during your next visit to the optometrist’s office.

The retina is crucial to our vision. It is the light sensitive layer at the back of the eye that contains photosensitive cells called rods and cones. Light enters the eye and strikes the retina, which then triggers nerve impulses to be sent to various vision centers in the brain via the optic nerve. The brain then takes this information and interprets it and gives us visual perception.  If the retina detaches or is pulled away from its normal position it can cause permanent and irreparable vision loss. A retinal detachment is considered a medical emergency and treatment should be sought immediately.