When getting an eye exam, there are several things you can do before, during, and after your appointment to make everything run more smoothly. Learning what to be aware of and what questions to ask can help keep you and your doctor on the same page, ensuring that you get the treatment you need. Follow these tips from the Battin Eyecare team to make sure your eye appointment leaves you feeling cared for and on the path to seeing clearly.

Before Your Appointment

Before your appointment, make a note of any eye problems you may have experienced. These could include blurry vision, poor night vision, double vision, or having trouble judging distances. If these or other problems prevent you from doing certain activities, make sure to tell your doctor. Similarly, if you’ve had any health issues, injuries, or operations, or you have a family history of glaucoma, cataracts, or other eye problems, inform your doctor. That personal and family medical history can make a difference in your treatment.

What to Bring

When you go to your eye appointment, bring your current glasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses. You should also bring a list of all medications you take, prescription or not. Your eye doctor can look at that list and determine whether any of those medications may be affecting your vision. You should also make sure to inform your eye doctor of the name and address of your primary care doctor, as well as any vision insurance information you may have.

If your eye exam requires pupil dilation, make sure to arrange transportation home. Many people can’t see well enough to drive safely after pupil dilation, so they may need friends or family to drive them to and from their appointments.

What to Ask

You may find it useful to bring a list of questions to ask your eye doctor. Some examples of questions you might want to ask include:

  • Has anything changed about my vision since my last visit?
  • What are the best options for improving my vision?
  • Is laser vision correction right for me?
  • What should I do differently to care for my eyes better?
  • What in particular should I be aware of to protect my vision?
  • When should I have my next eye exam?

 

When to Follow Up

If you get glasses or contacts for the first time at your appointment, follow up with your eye doctor in about two weeks to report how they’re working. The fit may need to be adjusted, and your doctor will know how best to proceed. If your new vision correction isn’t working and you experience lingering side effects like headaches, let your eye doctor know immediately.

Battin Eyecare can help make your eye appointment as simple as possible. We use the latest in diagnostic technology to provide customized treatment options for each of our patients. Battin also has a team of full-time optometrists on staff for any questions you may have. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and see how we can help you.