Planning Your Eye Test Visit

 

An annual eye exam is a great step in taking care of not only your eyes but your overall health.

Eye exams can detect signs of serious conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Visiting your optometrist doesn’t have to feel intimidating, even if you haven’t been there in a while. Knowing how to prepare for the visit and thinking ahead is an important part of the eye exam process. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your next visit.

 

What to Think About Before Your Eye Exam:

• Have I noticed any eye problems such as blurry vision, flashes of light, poor night vision, or double vision? 
• Do I have trouble judging distances or distinguishing between reds and greens? 
• Is my vision impacting me from doing certain activities? 
• How well am I taking care of my glasses or contacts? Do I take my contacts out each night and rinse them thoroughly? 
• Have I had any health issues, injuries, operations, or sicknesses lately that my eye doctor should know about? 
• Does my family have a history of eye problems such as glaucoma or cataracts? 

What to Bring to Your Eye Exam: 

• Your current glasses, sunglasses, and contacts. 
• A list of current medications—and not just prescription medications. Your optometrist can look at the list and determine if your medications could be affecting your vision. 
• The name and address of your primary care doctor. 
• If your appointment includes having your pupils dilated—and most yearly eye exams do—bring a friend or family member to drive you home. Many people can’t see well enough to drive safely after having their eyes dilated. 
• Your vision insurance information.  
• A list of the questions you want to ask your optometrist, so you don’t forget them. 

What to Ask Your Optometrist: 

• Has anything about my eyes changed since my last visit that I should know about? 
• What are my options for improving my vision? 
• Am I a candidate for laser vision correction? 
• What are the advantages of wearing both contact lenses and glasses? 
• How many hours per day can I wear contacts? 
• Should I look out for anything in particular when it comes to my eyes and overall health? 
• How can I protect my vision while staying active? 
• Should I be doing anything differently to care better for my eyes? 
• Can I schedule my next eye exam? 

When to Follow Up with Your Optometrist: 

• If you receive contacts or glasses for the first time, plan to follow up with your optometrist after about two weeks so you can report back on how well they are working. 
• If your optometrist adjusts your prescription and your new glasses or contacts aren’t working out, let your optometrist know immediately. 

 

With a little bit of preparation, your eye exam should be a simple and straightforward process.

Take a few moments beforehand to get ready, and your eyes will thank you. 

 

If you haven't already scheduled your next eye exam, you can do it now.