Comprehensive Eye Examination
Who should be examined, how often, and what it involves · Prof. Dr. Fırat Helvacıoğlu, FEBOS-CR · Veni Vidi Eye Clinic, Caddebostan – Kadıköy, Istanbul
A comprehensive eye examination includes measurement of vision and refraction, eye pressure, examination of the anterior segment and a dilated fundus examination. Because diseases such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy cause no symptoms in the early stages, we recommend a baseline examination for everyone at 40, an annual dilated fundus examination for people with diabetes, and a pre-school examination for children.
Why have a regular eye examination?
Most blinding diseases, such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration, cause no symptoms in their early stages. According to the World Health Organization’s World Report on Vision, at least 2.2 billion people worldwide have a vision impairment, of whom at least 1 billion have a condition that was preventable or that remains unaddressed. A regular eye examination is the most effective way to detect these diseases before you lose vision.
How often should you have an eye examination?
| Who? | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Babies and children | Eye screening at birth and at paediatric check-ups; a comprehensive examination between the ages of 3 and 5 and on starting school |
| Age 20–39, no risk factors | If there are symptoms or a change in prescription; a check-up every few years |
| Age 40 | A baseline comprehensive examination for everyone, even without symptoms (glaucoma and near-vision assessment) |
| Age 40–64 | Every 1–3 years depending on risk |
| Age 65 and over | Every 1–2 years |
| People with diabetes | A dilated fundus examination at diagnosis (type 2) and annually thereafter |
| Family history of glaucoma, high myopia, long-term corticosteroid use | As often as your doctor recommends, usually annually |
These intervals are general recommendations; so your doctor will determine the follow-up interval that is right for you after the examination.
What does the eye examination involve?
- History: Symptoms, general health conditions, medications, family history of eye disease.
- Visual acuity and refraction: Computerised measurement and a letter chart; in children, measurement with dilating (cycloplegic) drops when needed.
- Eye movements and strabismus tests, pupil reflexes, colour vision.
- Slit-lamp examination: Eyelids, cornea, anterior chamber, iris and lens.
- Eye pressure measurement: For glaucoma screening.
- Fundus examination: We dilate the pupils and examine the retina, macula and optic nerve.
- Advanced tests when needed: OCT, corneal topography, visual fields, biometry.
Pupil-dilating drops can cause blurred vision and light sensitivity for 4–6 hours, so we advise you not to drive on the day of the examination and to bring sunglasses. Also, please bring your glasses, contact lens details and a list of your medications to the examination.
When should you seek care without delay?
- Sudden loss of vision or a curtain over your field of vision
- A sudden onset of many floaters and flashes of light
- Severe eye pain, redness, halos around lights, nausea
- Chemical exposure or injury to the eye (for chemicals, rinse immediately with plenty of water)
- Pain, redness and light sensitivity while wearing contact lenses
- Sudden onset of double vision
Frequently asked questions
A comprehensive examination with pupil dilation usually takes 45–90 minutes including waiting time.
No. A sight test assesses visual acuity, whereas detecting glaucoma, retinal and other eye diseases requires a medical examination.
Yes, because children may not notice that one eye does not see well. When doctors treat a lazy eye at an early age, the success rate is much higher.
Yes; however, you may have difficulty seeing up close and find light bothersome for a few hours. We advise you not to drive.
References
- Wallace DK et al. Comprehensive Adult Medical Eye Evaluation Preferred Practice Pattern®. Ophthalmology. 2026;133(4):P202–P236. doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2025.12.031
- World Health Organization. World report on vision. Geneva: WHO; 2019.
- Bourne RRA et al. Effective refractive error coverage in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of updated estimates from population-based surveys in 76 countries modelling the path towards the 2030 global target. Lancet Glob Health. 2025;13(8):e1396–e1405. doi:10.1016/S2214-109X(25)00194-9
- Tham YC et al. Global prevalence of glaucoma and projections of glaucoma burden through 2040: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ophthalmology. 2014;121(11):2081–2090. doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2014.05.013
- Teo ZL et al. Global prevalence of diabetic retinopathy and projection of burden through 2045: systematic review and meta-analysis. Ophthalmology. 2021;128(11):1580–1591. doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2021.04.027
This page provides patient information and does not replace an examination or medical assessment. We determine the treatment that is right for you after an eye examination and measurements.
Comprehensive eye examination
Prof. Dr. Fırat Helvacıoğlu · Veni Vidi Eye Clinic, Bağdat Caddesi No: 257, Caddebostan – Kadıköy, Istanbul, Türkiye
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