The exam will evaluate your eye health and provide information on your overall health. Regular exams will allow your doctor to monitor these aspects.
Know What to Expect
To prepare for an eye exam, you should find out what the exam entails. The eye doctor will ask about your family and health history before the tests. You can expect to go through several tests, some to check your vision and others to evaluate your eye health.
Standard tests include visual acuity, automatic refraction, color vision, visual field, and corneal topography. Others are a slit-lamp exam, ophthalmoscopy, tonometry, and optical coherence tomography.
Research Your Family History
The doctor will need information about your eye health history. Preparing the documents and obtaining the information in advance will be helpful. Talk to family members and find out your family history.
It is essential to determine your risk of developing certain conditions. Many eye diseases are genetic, so knowing if any family members have an eye condition can be helpful.
List of Current Medications
Create a list of any medications that you may be taking. Include prescription and nonprescription drugs and supplements, including the dosage. The eye doctor can determine if any medications you are taking may be causing eye symptoms. Some cause issues such as dry eyes. The doctor can help determine eye health risks.
Carry Your Current Lenses
If you wear eyeglasses or contact lenses, bring them for your appointment. Bring your contacts, their storage container, and the cleaning solution you use. Part of testing your vision involves monitoring vision changes. Visual testing will determine if your prescription has changed. Depending on the results, you may get an updated prescription.
Your Insurance Information
You need updated copies of your insurance documents during the exam. It is a good idea to find out what your insurance covers before the exam. When making the appointment, find out the vision plans accepted at the eye clinic.
Prepare a List of Questions
Prepare a list of eye-related questions to ask the doctor. If you have concerns about your vision or eye health, discuss them with the doctor. The doctor will discuss the results of the tests and recommend additional tests or treatment options.
Arrange for Transport
If you get a dilated eye exam, your eyes will experience blurriness for a few hours afterward. The exam involves using eye drops to dilate the pupils. Making transport arrangements beforehand will help ensure you get home safely. You should avoid using digital screens or reading immediately after the exam.
Carry Sunglasses
Carry a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes after the exam. It is especially crucial if you are driving yourself home.
A comprehensive exam can take about one hour, depending on the number of tests conducted. You will receive the exam results soon after, and the doctor may recommend a follow-up appointment. If you need corrective lenses, you will receive a prescription.
For more ways to prepare for a comprehensive eye exam, visit iDoctor at our Glendale Heights, Illinois office. Call (630) 454-6899 to schedule an appointment today.
