Routine eye examinations can detect eye conditions and other health problems that may seem unrelated to your eyesight. Eye exams are a necessary part of eye care.
Once you have scheduled your next eye appointment, it is essential to prepare beforehand to help alleviate stress. Keep reading for six tips to get the most out of your upcoming eye exam with your ophthalmologist or optometrist.
1. Find Out Your Family Medical History
Different eye conditions run in families. The more details you can gather about your family’s medical history, the better.
You may not be able to learn about every eye condition each family member has. Begin with your immediate family, like your parents, siblings, and grandparents. It is worth mentioning any eye diseases and conditions in your family to your eye doctor.
2. Bring a List of the Medications You Take
Your list should include both prescription and over-the-counter medications. Please include the name and dosage for each item, or if you can, carry the actual medications to your next visit.
This will enable your eye doctor to have a better understanding of your overall health. It will also ensure that your ophthalmologist or optometrist doesn’t prescribe medication that could negatively affect what you’re already taking or aggravate a pre-existing condition.
3. Take Note of Any Symptoms
Whenever you notice a change in your vision or the symptoms related to your eye condition, it is necessary to note them. Also, remember to indicate how long you have been experiencing these symptoms.
Symptoms to jot down include:
- Light sensitivity
- Headaches
- Eye pain
- Difficulty seeing up close
- Blurry or distorted vision
- Flashes or floaters
- Changes in colors
4. Carry Your Prescription Glasses or Contacts
It is crucial to take your eyeglasses or contacts to your appointment. Bringing your glasses or contacts will help your eye doctor review your prescription and ensure it is up to date. If not, they will make the necessary adjustments.
5. Remember to Bring Your Insurance Card
If you have medical or vision insurance, know your coverage and whether you have a co-pay or will need to pay out-of-pocket. You can do this by contacting your insurance company for more information. Your insurance will let you know what vision benefits your plan includes.
6. Be Involved in Your Eye Health
A good doctor-patient relationship needs your input to get the best results. That means being open with your eye doctor and telling them if you’ve recently had any injuries or health problems.
Inform your doctor from the beginning if you have any questions or symptoms. Whatever it is, don’t wait until you are right about to leave to reveal any concerns. This way, your eye doctor will be able to provide the best care.
Complete Eye Exams at Shoreline Vision
During your eye exam, the eye doctors at Shoreline Vision will check for early signs of eye conditions, some of which may be symptomless. Preventative health care requires total assessment of your eye health to avoid future vision loss.
Whether you are experiencing vision problems or not, frequent comprehensive eye exams are recommended for everyone and are the only way to confirm your eyes are healthy.
Request an appointment at Shoreline Vision today.
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