accommodation testing: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

accommodation testing measures how well the eyes focus from far to near. It evaluates the eye’s “focusing system,” mainly the natural lens and ciliary muscle. It is commonly used in optometry and ophthalmology exams when near-vision symptoms are reported. It can also support diagnosis of binocular vision and focusing disorders.

convergence testing: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

convergence testing checks how well both eyes turn inward together to look at a near target. It is a common part of binocular vision and eye alignment evaluation in optometry and ophthalmology. It helps explain symptoms like eyestrain, headaches, and double vision during reading or screen use. It is used in routine eye exams and in assessments after neurologic events such as concussion.

nystagmus exam: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

A nystagmus exam is an eye movement assessment that looks for involuntary, repetitive eye oscillations called *nystagmus*. It is commonly used in eye clinics, neuro-ophthalmology, and sometimes in vestibular (inner ear) evaluations. The goal is to describe how the eyes move and what those movements may suggest about vision and neurologic function. It can be part of a routine eye evaluation or a targeted workup for symptoms like blurred vision or dizziness.

ocular motility exam: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

An ocular motility exam checks how well the eyes move and work together. It looks for limits in eye movements and for eye misalignment that can cause double vision. It is commonly included in routine eye exams, strabismus (eye turn) evaluations, and neuro-ophthalmology visits. It can be done in clinics, emergency settings, and inpatient consults when vision or neurologic symptoms are present.

ocular alignment: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

ocular alignment describes how the two eyes are positioned and aimed relative to each other. It affects whether both eyes can point at the same target at the same time. Clinicians use it to evaluate binocular vision (how the eyes work together). It is commonly discussed in eye exams, strabismus care, and pediatric vision assessment.

Krimsky test: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

Krimsky test is an eye alignment test used to estimate the size of strabismus (eye misalignment). It builds on the corneal light reflex (the small “light spot” seen on the cornea) and uses prisms to measure deviation. It is commonly used in pediatric eye exams and in patients who cannot reliably perform standard cover testing. Clinicians use it in ophthalmology and optometry clinics as part of a broader binocular vision assessment.

Hirschberg test: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

The Hirschberg test is a quick eye alignment check based on the position of a light reflection on the cornea. It helps clinicians estimate whether one eye is turned in, out, up, or down compared with the other. It is commonly used in routine eye exams, pediatric eye care, and strabismus (eye misalignment) evaluations. It is often performed when a person cannot reliably perform more complex alignment tests.

prism cover test: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

The prism cover test is an eye alignment test used to measure how much one eye is turned relative to the other. It combines an occluder (a cover) with prisms to quantify misalignment in prism diopters. It is commonly performed in optometry and ophthalmology clinics during strabismus and binocular vision evaluations. It is used in children and adults, including people with double vision, suspected eye turns, or post-surgical follow-up.

alternate cover test: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

The alternate cover test is an eye alignment test used in eye exams. It checks whether the eyes are pointing in the same direction or drifting. Clinicians use it commonly in optometry and ophthalmology clinics to assess strabismus (eye misalignment). It can be done in children and adults as part of a routine vision and binocular-vision evaluation.

cover test: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

The cover test is a basic eye alignment exam used to detect and measure misalignment of the eyes. It helps clinicians see whether one eye turns in, out, up, or down compared with the other. It is commonly used in optometry and ophthalmology clinics during routine eye exams and strabismus evaluations. It is also widely used in pediatric eye care to assess binocular vision (how the two eyes work together).

pupil exam: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

A pupil exam is a set of simple checks that evaluate how the pupils look and respond to light and focusing. It is commonly performed during routine eye exams, urgent eye visits, and neurologic assessments. The goal is to learn how well the eye and nervous system pathways controlling the pupil are functioning. It can be done with a light, and sometimes with special measuring devices or dilating drops.

central corneal thickness (CCT): Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

central corneal thickness (CCT) is a measurement of how thick the cornea is at its center. The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped front window of the eye. CCT is commonly measured during eye exams to help interpret other findings. It is used in both routine vision care and specialty ophthalmology clinics.

intraocular pressure (IOP): Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

intraocular pressure (IOP) is the pressure created by fluid inside the eye. It is measured during routine eye exams and many urgent eye evaluations. It is most commonly discussed in glaucoma care, but it also matters in other eye conditions. It is one piece of information that clinicians interpret alongside the optic nerve exam and other tests.

non-contact tonometry: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

non-contact tonometry is a method of measuring eye pressure without touching the eye. It is often called an “air-puff test” because it uses a brief puff of air. It is commonly used in optometry and ophthalmology clinics during routine eye exams. It helps clinicians estimate intraocular pressure, which is one factor in glaucoma care.

iCare tonometry: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

iCare tonometry is a method for measuring intraocular pressure (IOP), the fluid pressure inside the eye. It uses a small, lightweight probe that briefly touches the cornea to estimate eye pressure. It is commonly used in eye clinics, emergency settings, and pediatric exams. Some iCare tonometry devices are also designed for supervised home monitoring in selected patients.

Goldmann applanation tonometry: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

Goldmann applanation tonometry is a clinical test that measures intraocular pressure (IOP), the fluid pressure inside the eye. It works by gently flattening a small area of the cornea (the clear front window of the eye). It is most commonly performed at a slit lamp in an optometry or ophthalmology clinic. It is widely used when evaluating glaucoma risk and monitoring known glaucoma.

tonometry: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

tonometry is a test that measures pressure inside the eye, called intraocular pressure (IOP). It is commonly performed during routine eye exams in optometry and ophthalmology clinics. The measurement helps clinicians assess risk and monitor diseases that affect the optic nerve. Results are available immediately, and the test is often repeated over time.