From asking if you’re at risk for certain eye diseases to inquiring about the best way to monitor your eye health, preparing ahead of time with questions for your eye doctor can help you best manage your vision health.
The team at Matossian Eye Associates has compiled a list of practical suggestions, based on their own experiences, to help you prepare for your next visit to your eye doctor.
First and foremost, if you are anxious about visiting the doctor’s office, it’s a good idea to have a friend or family member accompany you during your appointment. This individual can jog your memory about certain concerns and remind you about the questions you want to ask.
Other reasons you may want to bring someone along to the exam include:
- Your friend or relative can take notes about information the doctor gives you, and in this way, you can focus on what is being said and ask additional questions that arise from these conversations.
- Your friend or family member can also provide emotional support if you’re feeling stressed or nervous about your eye condition or appointment, as we touched on above. Sometimes just the presence of a close friend or family member can help patients feel more comfortable while relieving the anxiety associated that sometimes comes with a doctor visit.
Here are 4 questions we suggest asking your eye doctor during your eye exam:
1. How Often Should I Have My Eyes Examined?
In general, you want to be sure to complete an annual eye exam. This is especially important if you have health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, glaucoma or cataracts, or if you wear contact lenses.
Depending on your specific medical history and vision needs, your eye doctor may recommend a different eye exam schedule. This is why it is such an important question to ask.
2. What can I do to be proactive in my eye health?
When it comes to our eyes, there are proactive steps we can take to preserve our vision and prolong our eye health.
On the Matossian Eye Associates blog, you will find many articles about the types of habits and diet our eye doctor team recommends for maximum eye health. In addition, depending on your vision needs and medical history, your eye doctor may recommend things like eye vitamins or supplements specific to your individual needs. So be sure to ask at your next eye exam.
3. Are there any specific vision conditions I am predisposed to?
Lifestyle and genetics play a major role in the health of our eyes and the potential conditions we may face as we age. As you discuss your medical history and lifestyle, your eye doctor will be able to identify certain conditions you may be more likely to incur.
Ask your doctor about these and what actions you can take (see question #2) to set yourself up for success.
4. What is the ideal way to correct my poor vision?
Thanks to modern technology, you have more vision correction options than ever before. There are many different types of contact lenses, eyeglasses and even procedures such as LASIK laser vision correction.
You’ve heard the term “Knowledge is Power.” This applies to your vision as well. You want to know all your options, which your eye doctor can review with you. You can also discuss the pros and cons of each vision correction method, and decide which option is right for your eyes, your lifestyle and your life stage.
Don’t Forget: Write Your Questions Down
The night before your eye exam, make a list of these and other questions you have for your eye doctor. This way, you will be sure to have all your questions answered.
To schedule your eye exam at Matossian Eye Associates, click here to complete our online contact form, or call (800) 708-8800.
