Last Updated on May 28, 2024 by Aaron Barriga
No one likes to visit the eye doctor. “How much will this cost me?” and “Do I really need glasses?” are the questions that hover in people’s minds before going to an eye doctor’s office. But getting your eyes examined can save you from a bad surprise. The last thing you want to do is to find out there is something wrong with your vision only after an accident or a similar disaster that has already happened.
A comprehensive eye exam can not only prevent eye problems but also decrease the need for medical care. This is why most people prefer to go through a set of tests when visiting their eye doctor. You’ll see how it all works in this article, what not to do before an eye exam with an optometrist or ophthalmologist, how to prepare for an eye exam and what questions you should ask.
Things You Should Avoid Doing Before an Eye Exam
An eye exam is an important part of maintaining overall health, but there are certain things to avoid doing prior to your appointment. Here are some tips on what not to do before getting your eyes checked.
Firstly, it is important to refrain from wearing eye makeup or contact lenses for at least 24 hours prior to the exam. Eye makeup can build up in the eyelash follicles and make it difficult for the doctor to properly assess your vision. Additionally, if you wear contacts, this can distort the shape of your cornea and lead to inaccurate results during the test.
Similarly, avoid using any type of eyedrop before the appointment as well. Most eye drops contain a vasoconstrictor that temporarily shrinks blood vessels in the eyes which can alter test results and impair diagnoses. In addition to this, be sure to keep the following tips in mind:
Avoid Straining Your Eyes: Before your next eye exam, it is important to avoid straining your eyes in order to get the most accurate results. Activities such as reading, watching television, and using a computer should be limited in the days leading up to your appointment.
Looking at screens for too long can cause eye fatigue and can lead to blurred vision or headaches. If you have already strained your eyes from daily activities prior to the exam, it could lead to inaccurate results which would make it more difficult for the doctor to diagnose any potential issues that might be present.
Don’t Feel Nervous: It’s common to feel a little anxious ahead of an eye exam; however, there are a few simple steps you can take to ensure that your appointment goes as smoothly as possible. First and foremost, it’s important to go into the appointment with realistic expectations. Understand that this is a routine check-up and not an emergency situation.
Secondly, make sure you have all the necessary information on hand. Finally, be honest with your doctor about any issues or concerns – doing so will help them better assess your overall eye health. Arriving to your eye exam prepared will ensure that you get the most out of your visit.
How to Prepare for an Eye Exam?
1. Bring your ID Card if You Plan on Using Your Insurance
Preparing for an eye exam is important to ensure that you get the most accurate results. It’s essential to bring your ID card if you plan on using your insurance, as this will help the optometrist accurately bill for the visit. Having a valid form of identification also helps verify that the services rendered are being provided to the correct person.
Your ID will also be useful in confirming your identity when it comes time to purchase eyewear or contact lenses from the office. Additionally, having a copy of your current vision insurance policy can make sure you are fully aware of any coverage restrictions or limitations that may apply. Taking these simple steps ahead of time can greatly improve your experience during an eye exam and make sure you have everything necessary for its successful completion.
2. Keep a Track of Your Symptoms
Here are a few tips for tracking common symptoms before and after your eye exam.
First, jot down any vision changes you’ve noticed since the last time you had an eye exam. Are colors seeming more vibrant or dull? Have objects been appearing blurry or distorted? These changes may be indicative of a larger problem that needs to be addressed by an ophthalmologist. Additionally, keep track of any pain or discomfort around the eyes or head that could be related to visual strain or tiredness.
It’s also helpful to take note of how frequently you use digital devices such as computers, tablets, and smartphones since these can cause fatigue on the eyes over long periods of time.
3. Learn About Your Family’s Eye Health History
When it comes to preparing for an eye exam, one of the most important steps you can take is learning about your family’s eye health history. This type of information can help inform a doctor, diagnosis and recommendations for treatment, as well as potentially give them a better understanding of any hereditary issues that may be present. Understanding your family’s medical background can also help alert you to potential warning signs for common eye conditions such as glaucoma or macular degeneration.
Gathering this information from your family members before your appointment is essential in order to have a comprehensive understanding of any relevant medical history. Ask around and see if anyone has ever been diagnosed with an eye condition or experienced any changes in vision over time.
4. Create a List of Questions To Ask Your Eye Doctor
Here are some questions to ask your eye doctor:
- Can you walk me through the eye exam and tell me what tests to expect?
- Is there anything in my medical or family history that makes me more susceptible to eye disease?
- Am I currently at risk for any eye diseases or vision problems?
- Are follow-up visits required?
- Are there any lifestyle changes I may make to reduce my risk?
- What New Signs or Symptoms Should I Be Aware Of?
- Is my situation stable, or will I continue to lose sight?
- Is it possible to treat my vision problem?
- When should the treatment begin and for how long?
- What are the dangers and potential adverse effects of this treatment?
Take control of your eye health today! Request an appointment with InSight Vision Center to experience our comprehensive eye exam and other services. Don’t wait – take a proactive step today in preserving your precious vision for years ahead. Book now and get on the path to better vision with InSight!
Aaron Barriga is the online marketing manager for Insight Vision Center. With a knack for understanding medical procedures, and an interest in eye and vision health, Aaron loves to share what he knows and what he learns. He blogs to inform readers about the latest eye care technology and other topics related to eye care, especially LASIK.
