A complete eye checkup is one of the suggested activities for self-care and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Depending on your age and health history, you may visit the eye doctor once a year or more frequently if necessary. Regardless of how well you see, frequent eye exams are necessary to check for eye illness, as some disorders might be asymptomatic in their early stages.
When visiting an optometrist or ophthalmologist, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a pleasant and efficient appointment. This article will provide you with ideas on how to best prepare for your visit.
Getting Prepared to Your Eye Exam
Preparing for an eye doctor's appointment does not take long. However, some tips will make the appointment go more smoothly and efficiently for you and your doctor.
Think about your symptoms and concerns
When you arrive for your consultation, you will most likely undergo a series of screening tests. It's easy to get caught up in the intricacies of the exam and test and forget why you came in for the visit. Making notes will help you remember to bring up your symptoms and concerns. You may have come in for eye strain, headaches, red eyes, or unclear vision.
It's also possible that you simply came in to ensure that everything is in order, which is acceptable.
Bring your current prescription
It is helpful to bring your most recent eyeglass prescription to your visit. Whether you had glasses produced using it or not, your previous prescription will serve as a reference when new measurements are collected.
Bring in your glasses and contact lenses
Bringing in your current eyeglasses and contact lenses can also be beneficial. If you use soft contact lenses, bring them in an unopened blister pack. If you wear hard lenses, bring them in their case.
Recall your family's medical history
Family history is essential in determining your risk for a range of diseases, including eye disorders. Gather this information ahead of time, if possible. Perhaps you know your grandmother is blind, but you're not sure why. Ask her before your scheduled appointment. Was it glaucoma? Macular degeneration? Diabetic retinopathy? This information can help your eye doctor calculate your risk of acquiring the same condition.
Wear sunglasses
Your pupils may dilate during your eye test, making you light-sensitive for many hours after the session. Even if it's gloomy outside, bring dark sunglasses to keep your eyes comfy as you leave your appointment. Some offices may provide disposable sunglasses; however, if you have your own, bring them along.
Stay hydrated
Eye exams may need you to keep your eyes open throughout certain treatments. If your eyes are dry, this will be more difficult. Stay hydrated before your visit to avoid discomfort during your exam.
What Not to Do Before an Eye Exam
Do not wear your contacts to your eye exam
Wearing contact lenses to your eye test may cause your visit to last significantly longer. You'll need to keep your contacts out for the majority of the testing, so it's easier to attend wearing your glasses.
Do not forget your insurance documents
Always bring your insurance card(s) to the appointment. Depending on the reason for your appointment, your eye exam may be billed to either your vision or medical insurance. Bringing both cards will cover all scenarios. Taking a picture of your insurance cards using your phone is an excellent technique to ensure you always have them.
