Many people believe an eye exam is simply about reading letters off a chart or checking whether you need new glasses. But in reality, a proper eye exam is one of the most detailed health evaluations you can undergo — revealing not just how well you see, but also how healthy your eyes (and sometimes your entire body) truly are.

Understanding what tests are done during an eye exam helps you appreciate the process, know what to expect during your next visit, and recognise the importance of regular checkups.

In Lagos, where eye strain, screen exposure, and environmental factors are part of everyday life, comprehensive eye exams have become even more essential. That’s why clinics like Vision Planet Eye Clinic Lagos have set a gold standard in offering modern, thorough, and patient-friendly eye testing that covers both common and uncommon diagnostic procedures.

Let’s explore what happens during a full eye examination, what each test means, and why it matters — especially if you care about protecting your sight for the long term.

Why Regular Eye Exams Are Essential

Your eyes are more than just your window to the world — they’re often the first indicators of health changes elsewhere in your body. Conditions like diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and even brain tumours can sometimes be detected first through an eye exam.

That’s why eye doctors recommend a comprehensive eye checkup at least once every year, even if you think your vision is “perfect.”

At Vision Planet Clinic Lagos, optometrists don’t rush through the process. Every exam is tailored to your age, health history, and symptoms. Whether it’s your first test or a follow-up visit, their team ensures you understand each step of the process — from the most basic to the most advanced tests.

Common Tests Done During an Eye Exam

To fully understand what tests are done during an eye exam, it helps to start with the basics — the common procedures every patient experiences during a typical visit.

Each of these plays a specific role in assessing how your eyes focus, move, and respond to light and pressure.

1. Patient History and Visual Discussion
   The eye exam begins with a conversation about your symptoms, medical background, family eye health, lifestyle, and any issues like blurriness, headaches, or eye strain. This helps the optometrist customise your exam and look for specific risks.
2. Visual Acuity Test
   This is the classic letter chart test (often called the Snellen chart) used to measure how clearly you can see at different distances. You’ll cover one eye and read rows of letters that get smaller each line. It helps determine if you’re nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism.
3. Refraction Test
   The optometrist uses a phoropter — that large machine you look through — to determine your exact lens prescription. By switching lenses and asking “Which is clearer, one or two?” the doctor identifies the precise correction needed for your best vision.
4. Pupil Reaction Test
   Here, a light is shone into each eye to observe how your pupils respond. Poor or slow reactions could indicate neurological or optic nerve issues.
5. Eye Muscle and Movement Test (Ocular Motility)
   The optometrist checks how well your eyes move together and follow moving objects. Weak coordination can cause eye strain or double vision.
6. Retinoscopy
   Often used for patients who have difficulty giving feedback, retinoscopy allows the doctor to estimate your prescription by observing how light reflects off your retina.
7. Slit-Lamp Examination
   This test uses a microscope combined with bright light to examine the front structures of your eye — including the cornea, iris, and lens. It can detect cataracts, infections, dry eye, or corneal injuries early.
8. Intraocular Pressure Test (Tonometry)
   One of the most important tests measures the pressure inside your eyes — a key indicator for glaucoma. It may involve a gentle puff of air or a tonometer that lightly touches your eye with a numbing drop applied.
9. Retinal Examination (Ophthalmoscopy)
   The doctor examines the back of your eye (retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels) using special lenses. This helps detect early signs of retinal detachment, macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy.
10. Colour Vision Test
    Using colored dot patterns known as Ishihara plates, this test checks your ability to distinguish between colours — especially red and green shades. Colour blindness or deficiency can affect daily tasks and certain careers.

These are the common tests done during an eye exam, forming the foundation of any good optical evaluation. However, advanced clinics like Vision Planet Clinic Lagos often go beyond these basics, offering more specialised and uncommon tests for detailed diagnosis.

Uncommon but Crucial Tests During Eye Exams

Modern optometry has advanced beyond the traditional tools of the past. Today’s clinics — especially state-of-the-art facilities like Vision Planet Lagos — use digital technology to catch issues even before symptoms appear.

Below are some of the uncommon but increasingly important tests performed during eye exams.

1. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
   This is one of the most advanced imaging technologies available in eye care. OCT scans the retina layer by layer, revealing even microscopic changes. It’s particularly useful in diagnosing glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and macular degeneration early.
2. Visual Field Test (Perimetry)
   This test maps your entire range of vision, including peripheral (side) vision. It helps detect blind spots caused by glaucoma, retinal disease, or neurological damage.
3. Corneal Topography
   Using advanced imaging, this test creates a 3D map of your cornea’s shape. It’s essential for fitting contact lenses, diagnosing keratoconus, or preparing for laser surgery.
4. Pachymetry
   This measures the thickness of your cornea using ultrasound technology. It’s vital in assessing glaucoma risk and determining eligibility for LASIK or similar procedures.
5. Fluorescein Angiography
   A special dye is injected into your bloodstream, and images of your retina are taken to observe blood vessel integrity. It helps diagnose diabetic retinopathy or macular leakage.
6. Fundus Photography
   This digital imaging test captures detailed pictures of your retina, allowing for easy monitoring of changes over time. Vision Planet Clinic stores these images for comparison during follow-up visits.
7. Wavefront Analysis
   This technology detects subtle optical imperfections in your eye that traditional tests can’t measure. It’s particularly beneficial for customizing advanced lenses or preparing for refractive surgery.
8. Contrast Sensitivity Test
   Unlike standard eye charts that test black letters on a white background, this measures how well you see objects that don’t contrast sharply with their background — important for night driving and low-light conditions.
9. Binocular Vision Assessment
   Some patients experience eye fatigue because their eyes don’t work together effectively. This test measures eye coordination and depth perception — especially useful for teenagers and professionals who spend long hours on digital screens.
10. Tear Film Evaluation
    For those suffering from dry eyes, this test analyses the quantity and quality of tears your eyes produce. It helps customise treatments that bring lasting relief.

These uncommon tests might not be necessary for every patient, but they’re crucial when there’s a history of eye disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or persistent visual symptoms.

At Vision Planet Eye Clinic Lagos, these tests are performed using modern digital imaging systems that ensure accuracy, comfort, and early detection — all within a single visit.

How Long Does an Eye Exam Take and What to Expect

Many first-time patients are surprised by how comprehensive a full eye exam can be. On average, a standard exam takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the complexity of your case and whether additional tests are needed.

At Vision Planet Lagos, appointments are structured to be comfortable and transparent. The optometrist explains each step as it happens, so you’re never left guessing what’s next or why a particular test is being performed.

This patient-centred approach is one reason Vision Planet has become one of the most trusted names in eye care in Lagos.

Digital Innovation in Eye Testing

Technology has completely changed how optometrists diagnose and treat eye conditions. Advanced imaging, automation, and artificial intelligence now make early detection possible with pinpoint precision.

Vision Planet Clinic integrates this technology seamlessly into its daily operations. Their digital diagnostic systems allow them to:

• Detect glaucoma long before vision loss occurs.
• Monitor subtle retinal changes in diabetic patients.
• Customise lens prescriptions using AI-powered refraction tools.
• Save and compare patient images over multiple visits to track progress.

This modern approach ensures every test result contributes to your long-term visual health, not just short-term correction.

Why Vision Planet Clinic Lagos Stands Out

In a city filled with optical shops and clinics, Vision Planet distinguishes itself through clinical excellence and patient care. Their exams go beyond what’s routine — every test is done for a reason, every result carefully explained, and every treatment tailored to the individual.

Here’s why they’re considered the preferred destination for those who want to know exactly what tests are done during an eye exam and how those tests affect their vision:

1. Comprehensive Eye Evaluation Packages
   From simple vision checks to complete diagnostic profiling, Vision Planet offers packages for adults, children, and the elderly at fair prices.
2. Cutting-Edge Diagnostic Tools
   The clinic’s investment in modern imaging technology ensures faster, more accurate, and less invasive testing.
3. Qualified Optometrists and Ophthalmologists
   Vision Planet’s team includes highly trained eye specialists with years of experience handling both simple and complex cases.
4. Affordable and Transparent Pricing
   Every test’s purpose and cost are clearly explained before proceeding — no hidden fees, no unnecessary upselling.
5. Warm, Patient-Friendly Environment
   The clinic’s calm environment and supportive staff make eye exams stress-free, especially for children and first-time visitors.
6. Accessible Location and Online Booking
   Patients can easily book appointments online and visit their centrally located clinic in Lagos for convenience.
7. Post-Exam Follow-Up
   The relationship doesn’t end when the test does. Vision Planet provides detailed results interpretation, personalized advice, and follow-up care reminders.

If you’ve ever wondered where to find an eye clinic that truly cares about precision and people equally, Vision Planet is the clear answer.

Final Note

Your eyes are incredibly complex, and caring for them requires more than casual attention. Knowing exactly what tests are done during an eye exam empowers you to appreciate the detail and precision behind professional eye care.

At Vision Planet Eye Clinic Lagos, every test — common or uncommon — is performed with one goal in mind: to protect and preserve your vision for years to come. The clinic’s combination of technology, expertise, and compassion ensures you receive nothing short of excellence, whether you’re visiting for a routine exam or a specialized diagnostic test.

So, if it’s been more than a year since your last exam, or if you’ve noticed changes in your sight, schedule your eye examination at Vision Planet Clinic today. Because prevention, precision, and professional care are what your eyes truly deserve.