Why does the eye doctor tell you to look somewhere then shine a light in your eye?

Question

Why does the eye doctor tell you to look somewhere then shine a light in your eye?

Answer 1

So that he can see your brain.

Answer 2

It is necessary to have a good look at the inside of the eye to make sure everything is healthy. In a normal examination you will be asked to direct your gaze in several directions. Up, Down, Left, Right, and directly at the light. It may be necessary to enlarge the pupil with drops, so that one can examine out to the periphery. Or to take photos for reference.

I have taken hundreds of photos and they are very useful for later reference, especially if there is a doubtful appearance in the eye, or ongoing conditions,like diabetus.

Or early cataracts. Here you need to have a good idea of the quality of the back of the eye(the retina) so that later when the lens becomes opaque, and is ready for treatment,

you know that the rest of the eye is healthy.

So yes, it is important to shine lights into your eyes, this is purely routine although essential.

Answer 3

i was gonna say its so they dont shine the light directly in your eyes which is partially right but pinklady's answer seems to have hit the nail on the head

Answer 4

so that he can see in there of course. if you looked straight at the light your pupils would shrink right  down.

besides.....the doc likes to get a good look in there to see what you're thinking !

Answer 5

The direction you are looking and the doctor is looking in affects what part of the retina they are looking at.  We want to get a good look at the optic nerve head, macula, and other areas of the retina so it is often necessary for the patient to be directing their gaze in a certain direction.

Answer 6

So s/he can check to see if anything is wrong with your pupil......You cant look into it cuz its too bright...I think its a wise idea!