5 Questions to Ask Your Optometrist

Whether you are preparing for your first-ever visit to an optometrist or are having your first checkup appointment in a few years, it’s always best to go in prepared to ask questions. It can help settle your nerves, teach you more about the type of care to expect and provide you with a better understanding of eye health and eye conditions. We have tallied the five most important questions to ask your eye doctor.

 

1. What tests will you be running?

This question is a great question to ask your eye doctor’s office ahead of time, over the phone when you book your appointment or right when you come in. Eye exams extend beyond traditional vision tests with a Snellen chart. Exams may vary, however.  An appointment using advanced technology may include automated refraction, rebound tonometry, digital retinal imaging scan, and ocular coherence tomography. Depending on your age or any underlying conditions, your eye doctor may specifically look for diseases such as keratoconus.

 

2. What do my symptoms mean?

If you are experiencing  irregularities in your vision or how your eyes look or feel, asking this can guide your doctor toward addressing your complaint. Symptoms like blurred vision, flashes of light, halos, redness, light sensitivity, or eye pain should be taken seriously. Informing your eye doctor about any change or concerns will help him/her diagnose and propose the appropriate treatment.  

   
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3. Can I wear contact lenses? Am I wearing the right contact lenses?

There are various types of contact lenses on the market, including specialized scleral lenses for patients who suffer from keratoconus, to single-use disposable contacts. Receiving a comprehensive eye exam from your doctor can help match you with the proper corrective contact lenses.

If you are dealing with myopia (nearsightedness), you might benefit from Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT) lenses, which gently reshape the cornea while you sleep. In any case, inquiring about alternatives will help you understand the different options and make an informed decision.

 

4. How can I maintain and monitor my eye health?

Ask this question at the end of your appointment. The answer will vary depending on your situation and your eye condition(s). If your eyes are healthy, your doctor will likely just recommend annual checkups and preventative measures. If you have an eye disease or disorder, your doctor might prescribe medication, refer you for surgery, recommend, lifestyle changes, or more frequent appointments.

 

5. What are the treatments for my eye condition?

If your medical eye doctor diagnoses you with an eye disease or condition, he/she will have a conversation with you about the existing treatment(s). This can range from noninvasive options like contact lenses or glasses to major surgery like a corneal transplant. Education and asking about all available treatment options will allow you to learn about risks, complications, and prognoses – all things that will help you make the right decision for your health.

 

Schedule Your Appointment

Many people fail to keep up with their eye health, which can lead to major complications down the road. However, scheduling annual appointments and asking the right questions may prevent or stop eye disease from interfering with your life.

Our team at ReVision Optometry is happy to assist you with your eye care needs. Request an appointment.

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