Wednesday 22 April 2015

Vision Testing Services

Today, a vast majority of the population wears glasses and contact lenses. So, when it comes down to it, when should one have their eyes checked? The answer is to get them checked every year on a regular basis.
In order to accurately measure your vision distortion, you can visit your nearest optometrist to get your eyes tested. The eye vision test will determine what level of corrective lenses you require to see properly, and your spectacles will then be made according to the exact specification in the test result.

The normal procedures included in eye exams are as follows:

Retinoscopy

This is normally the first eye exam that your doctor will conduct in order to measure the estimated level of your visual disturbance. Retinoscopy is a procedure used to obtain the measurement of refractive errors in a patient's eyes. Using a retinoscope, your optometrist will shine light into your eyes and observe the reflexes in your retina.

Refraction

Retinoscopy is followed by the test of refraction, with which the doctor will determine the precise prescription. Your optometrist will place a phoropter on your eyes, which is similar in shape to the spectacles that we wear; and test your vision with a series of lenses, while asking you to read letters on a board that become smaller as you progress through each line. This continues until you have the right combination of lenses in both eyes for a completely clear vision.

Aberrometers and Autorefractors

This is another specialized test your doctor can perform to determine your prescription automatically. You are requested to place your chin on both these devices while you focus on a single object or point of light.

Cover test

A cover test is perhaps the most common of all tests to find out whether and if your eyes are working perfectly. This test is used to find the two types of ocular deviation, namely tropia and phoria. A tropia is the incorrect alignment of the eyes when both eyes are not covered. A phoria only emerges when viewing is broken and both eyes can no longer focus on the same object.

Slit-lamp examination

This particular examination is one that allows your optometrist to magnify the structures in your eyes to determine the condition of your eyes and to evaluate whether there are signs of disease and infection. You are asked to place your chin on an object that looks like a microscope and then light is shone into your eyes to check their condition.

Eye vision testing has become quite simple nowadays, and can be done quickly at PCP For Life at one of our many locations in the Houston, TX area. If you feel that your vision is distorted, it is crucial that you get your eyes tested and get corrected lenses for yourself, as soon as possible. Depending on how fast you get your corrective eyewear will determine whether, you will be wearing them for a couple of months, a couple of years, or for your entire lifetime.

Tuesday 21 April 2015

Audio/Tympanogram Services - What is a Tympanogram?

In order to detect problems in the middle ear, a test called Tympanometry is performed. This is an objective test used for the determination of the middle ear function and should not be considered as a hearing test per se. The graphical illustration of this test result is known as a Tympanogram.

How Is It Conducted?

The primary step in this test is the physical examination of your ear by your physician. This is carried out to ensure that there is no obstruction inside the ear and that the eardrum is free from any blockage.

The second step consists of the placement of a device inside your ear. Minor changes in the air pressure inside the middle ear are brought about by this device, which makes the eardrum move back and forth. The results of this movement are then recorded onto the Tympanogram.

Special Precautions for the Test

It is of utmost importance that you try your best not to move at all during the conductance of this test. In addition to that, speaking and swallowing are also prohibited. This is so because movements bring about changes in air pressure in the middle ear and give false readings.

It is also important not to get startled by the sounds heard during the test, as they may be loud. This is why it is mandatory to try to stay calm during the entire length of the test.


Maintaining your composure is easy if you are an adult. If, however, a child’s auditory senses are to be tested, it is suggested that you acquaint the child with the prerequisites of the test with the help of a doll. This will lower any anxieties the child might have and may help you in securing accurate readings.

Is it painful?

There is no pain involved in the entire procedure. However, you will feel a slight degree of discomfort for the time the probe is inside your ear. This will not result in any kind of harm. Loud tone and pressure changes are the two things that you will experience as your physician records the measurements.

What is the aim of this test?

This test is conducted to determine accurately how your auditory apparatus reacts to sound as well as to changing pressures.

Physiological features of the middle ear

The features of the normal human ear exhibit stable pressure readings that vary slightly as you change your environment. The appearance of the eardrum is smooth.

Abnormal characteristics
Your physician may discover any of the following features at the end of Tympanometry:

 - Fluid inside the middle ear cavity
 -The presence of a tumor inside the middle ear
 - Accumulation of impacted wax
 - Lack or complete absence of any contact between the three conduction bones of the middle ear
 - One or more perforations in the eardrum
 - Scars on the tympanic eardrum

Overall, this test is significant whenever auditory disturbances cannot be determined accurately via Rinne or Weber tests.

If you are concerned about hearing issues in you or your family, be sure to contact PCP For Life at one of our many convenient locations throughout the greater Houston, Texas area. Our friendly staff will be glad to assist you with any questions you have about the hearing tests and your hearing issues.