Do you have an eye exam coming up? It’s the perfect opportunity to get all your eye and vision-related questions answered.
In case you don’t know what questions to ask to help you improve your eye health, here’s a list of 11 essential questions to ask your eye doctor or ophthalmologist to make sure your eyes remain healthy and happy.
You can also check out this super informative blog to make the most of your eye exam – Tips to Prepare for an Eye Exam and What Not to Do.
Let’s get started with the questions to ask an ophthalmologist or eye doctor.
1. Do you know my entire medical background?
Your general health also affects your eye health. Thus, this is the first question you should ask an eye doctor. They need to know your complete medical history in order to give you the best possible care. Make a list of medications you are currently taking and your medical conditions to show to your eye doctor.
2. What tests will be carried out?
Your doctor may need to conduct several tests to evaluate your vision. Knowing which tests will be performed is crucial so you can be prepared. Common tests include checking your vision, testing your eye coordination, and checking the pressure inside your eyes.
3. Are my eyes going to be dilated?
This is certainly one of the top questions to ask your eye doctor. Eye dilation is performed to get a better look at the back of the eye. If your doctor plans to do this, ask how long the dilation will last and if you need to wear sunglasses afterward. You may also want to bring someone with you to drive you back from the clinic.
4. What are my results & symptoms indicating?
If any test results come back abnormal or you are experiencing certain symptoms, you must understand what this means. Ask your doctor what the results indicate and suitable treatment options. Doctors generally discuss the test result in detail with patients. However, don’t hesitate to ask if you don’t understand any particular term or want to know more.
5. Do I need to schedule follow-up visits?
Sometimes follow-up visits may be necessary to ensure that your eye condition is being monitored and managed correctly. Ask your eye doctor if follow-up visits are necessary and what the frequency of these visits should be.
6. Can I treat my dry eye with eye drops?
Dry eye is caused due to increased screen time. So no points for guessing that it is prominent in today’s day and age. Some typical signs of this disorder include heavy eyes, itchiness, and blurred vision. Your eye exam is your opportunity to ask an ophthalmologist about the possibility of getting relief from these symptoms with the help of eye drops.
7. Can I prevent eye conditions and diseases through lifestyle changes?
Your ophthalmologist can help you keep your eyes healthy and safe. For example, they can recommend appropriate screen time, healthy food for your eyes, sunglasses or UV-blocking contacts to prevent your eyes from sunlight, etc. They can also give you the tips you need to ensure your eyes stay in excellent condition.
8. Will the state of my eyes deteriorate over time?
One of the most critical questions to ask an ophthalmologist is if your condition is stable or may worsen over time. See if there are any steps you can take to prevent it from deteriorating further. Knowing your eye health situation now can help you stay on top of it in the future.
9. How do serious medical diseases like diabetes and hypertension impact eye health?
Eye health can be adversely impacted by conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Unfortunate side effects, like diabetic retinopathy and visual loss, can occur. Talking to your eye doctor is a great way to ensure these complications don’t happen.
10. What is the proper treatment for my eye condition?
Ask your doctor if your eye condition can be treated with medications, glasses, or contact lenses. Find out the best course of action for your particular situation. The doctor will indeed suggest you your treatment options after the test. But there’s nothing wrong with going into details and weighing your options.
11. Which kind of contacts should I use?
When it comes to contact lenses, there are several alternatives. For instance, UV-blocking lenses, CRT lenses, and disposable single-use contacts. Which one would be best for you? That is a question for your eye doctor.
12. Is LASIK right for me?
Discuss LASIK with your eye doctor during your comprehensive eye exam. Generally, laser eye surgery is best suited for those with a moderate amount of refractive error and no unusual vision issues. The latest technology can make it easier than ever to get the procedure. Have a chat and explore your possibilities!
It’s essential to take care of your eyes by getting them checked regularly. Your eye doctor can advise you if you need a comprehensive eye exam or just a routine check-up. This depends on your eye health.
Make sure you choose an experienced and knowledgeable eye doctor with access to the latest technology and equipment. Start giving your eyes the respect they deserve and get regular eye exams to keep them healthy.