How to prepare for your ophthalmology appointment

Having regular eye exams is essential to keep your eyes healthy and maintain good vision. Certain eye diseases may not cause symptoms in their early stages. With an eye exam, you can diagnose conditions early, which may help save vision. 

An eye exam also gives you an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about eye health and preventing common eye problems, such as dry eyes or conjunctivitis. 
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To get the most from your eye exam, it is helpful to consider certain things before your visit. The article below covers helpful ways to prepare for your eye appointment. 

Consider any eye symptoms you are having: Write down any eye symptoms you have been experiencing. Even if you think the symptoms are minor, it is important to mention them to your eye doctor.

Consider keeping a symptom log and record information, such as:

• The type of symptoms
• Frequency of symptoms
• The onset of symptoms
• What, if anything, makes symptoms worse

The more accurate and detailed the information, the better your eye doctor can determine what tests to perform to identify the problem.

Prepare information on family medical history: Some types of eye diseases tend to run in families. If you are not sure about family eye health history, if possible, ask your parents. Having a family history of a certain eye condition does not mean it is inevitable that you’ll develop it. But it is helpful to know your risk factors, so you can talk to your eye doctor about additional steps you should take. 

Bring a list of medications you take: Some types of medication may increase your risk of dry eyes or other eye issues. It is useful to have a medication list written down so you don’t forget anything. Plus, the effects of your medication on the eyes may depend on the dosage. So, it is important for your eye doctor to know what medication you take, the dose, and what you are taking it for.

Write down questions: The more you educate yourself on eye health and preventing eye diseases, the better. Everyone is different and has varied risk factors for certain eye conditions. Think about your concerns and questions before your office visit. Write down questions you have, so you don’t forget anything. If you have several questions, it is helpful to let your eye doctor know when you book your appointment. If needed, your doctor may block out additional time.

Gather documents: Even if you have been to your eye doctor before, it is best to bring certain documents with you, such as:

• Insurance card
• Prescription for eyeglasses and contacts
• I.D.

Ask if your eyes will be dilated: For certain types of exams, you may need your eyes dilated, which can make your eyes sensitive to light. It is helpful to bring someone with you to drive you home. If you drive yourself, make sure to bring sunglasses. 

Eye exam frequency 

One of the questions to ask your eye care specialist is how frequently you should have eye exams. How often you have an eye exam may depend on your age, medical history, and underlying health issues. 

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, adults should get an eye exam by the age of 40. But in some cases, adults should have an eye exam sooner, such as if they have diabetes or high blood pressure. 

We hope the information above helps you prepare for your eye exam. If you have any questions, we are happy to help. Also, if you would like to ask whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time, call our office at 508-746-8600.