How do eye exams and sight tests compare?

Sight tests are designed primarily to determine the refractive error of the eyes, assessing vision straight away through a series of standard vision assessments like checking visual acuity and eye alignment. These tests typically do not involve a thorough evaluation of the eye's health or its various structures. In contrast, eye exams are comprehensive assessments that not only consider vision but also delve into the health of the eyes, which may include checking for glaucoma, cataracts, and other potential eye diseases.

Understanding the limitations of sight tests is crucial. While they can indicate whether corrective lenses are needed, they do not provide an understanding of underlying health issues that might affect vision. This distinction is important for patients to grasp, as it underscores the necessity of regular comprehensive eye exams, even if a simple sight test shows adequate visual acuity.

This insight also highlights why having a full medical history is essential during eye exams, yet it is not covered in sight tests. The other options incorrectly represent the nature of either eye exams or sight tests, not capturing the essence of how these processes differ in their objectives and scale.