During a comprehensive exam, the administrator will do the following: 

• review your and your family's health history;
• measure visual acuity;
• test eye movements and eye function;
• check depth perception, color vision, peripheral vision and how pupils react to light;
• test refractive status to determine the presence of nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism;
• evaluate your eyes' ability to focus;
• prescribe medication, glasses and/or contacts; and
• order additional tests as needed. 

Recommended Eye Exam Frequency 

"You may be surprised to learn that no universal standard exists for the frequency of eye exams. Recommendations differ among individual eye doctors, as well as among the various professional associations (American Optometric Association, American Academy of Opthalmology, etc.)...eyes can change very quickly, in ways that only an eye doctor may detect. And the earlier an eye condition is caught, the earlier treatment can begin," explains Gary Heiting, OD on All About Vision.