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10.04.10 , In
Eye Care
You’re off to an appointment with your opthamologist in Austin. You know how important regular eye exams and good eye care is to your vision and your quality of life. If you haven’t been to the eye doctor in quite some time, you may not know what to expect. The first thing to be aware of is that this is not a vision screening. This will be much more thorough – and a bit more time-consuming. You can begin to prepare by allotting yourself enough time for the exam, and to recover if you get your eyes dilated! Here are some tips so you are ready for your appointment, whether you’re seeing an Austin glaucoma specialist or an optometrist for your annual checkup.
Some experts recommend trying to schedule your eye appointment early in the day while your eyes are alert and fresh. As your energy level declines as the day goes on, your eyes, too, become tired. They recommend resting before an exam to ensure that your eyes are at their best.
In addition to arriving a little early (which most doctor’s offices appreciate), it helps to arrive prepared. You will have to discuss your medical history and any changes with your eyes or vision. Know the answers to questions like the following:
How are your eyes now? Any problems? Be as specific as you can when you answer. If you feel discomfort when driving at night, say so. If words you read start to blur after a while, say so.
What health problems have you had in recent years? Your doctor’s not being nosy; he needs to know because certain health conditions, such as diabetes, can impact the functioning of the eye. Diabetic retinopathy, for example, leads to damage of the retina and can cause gradual vision loss.
Are you taking any medications (if yes, make a list before you come)? Do you have allergies?
Do you have a family history of eye conditions, such as glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration? How about diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure?
You will have a variety of tests to undergo, including retinal, visual acuity, refraction, field of vision, eye muscle, and glaucoma tests.
In preparing for your eye exam, make sure you have a list of questions to ask. Sometimes, when we’re in the office, it can be difficult to think of our questions on the spot. It’s when we get home a few hours later that we wished we asked this or that. Before you go, write down a list of questions or concerns that you have. Some of these will be answered by the exam; for those that are not, ask your doctor after your exam. Remember, it is important to discuss any changes you have noticed, even if they seem very slight to you. Many people, for instance, don’t mention having dry eyes because they think it is not a big concern. It can affect your vision, though, so it is important to bring up to your Austin eye care professional.
Whether you need LASIK surgery, a new prescription for glasses, or, best of all, no treatment at all, the time you spend preparing and doing your exam is well spent.
About the Author: Mark Masters has authored may pieces on the eye care & surgery industry and enjoys keeping his readers up to date in this field
