It's recommended that people get their eyes checked out by a vision tester each year. For those that have already gone to one, there are six things to bear in mind for the next visit. For those looking forward to visiting one in the near future, it might be an idea to think about these things before the appointment. The eye doctor should spend at least a minute or two chatting about your general health, health history as well as your eyes.
Upon first contact they will probably ask you about your health in general and about any current medical problems like high blood pressure. If you are a pregnant woman you need to explain this, as the eyes can be affected by not only health issues but also by changes to the body.
Although the focus of the specialist can often be on the present health of the patient, there should be no forgetting the past. Anyone with a history of medical issues, needs to let them know. They also need to discuss the health of family member, because some problems, such as glaucoma, could well be inherited. Moreover, previous surgery to the eyes or trauma to the eyes needs to be reported too.
What should not be overlooked is one of the most obvious things to tell the eye doctor, and that's about changes to your vision. If it becomes blurred, or is there's an increase in floaters or spots before the eyes then it could be an indication that urgent treatment is required. Sensitivity to bright lights or flashes before the eyes also need to be reported. Those that wear any corrective eye-wear should bring them to the appointment too.
If you're taking mediation then the eye doctor needs to be informed of this, as all prescription and non-prescription drugs have the potential to affect the eyes and vision. Additionally, any new medication that's prescribed could very well affect what you are already taking, perhaps producing complications.
There may be some things you wish to refrain from revealing, such as your present lifestyle. The simple answer to this is don't. Our habits in our social lives can have a profound affect on our eyesight. Things like smoking and drinking alcohol may impair the vision in the long run or at least could be a factor in its deterioration. The same goes for occupation. Those spending hours in front of a computer, or reading books, should tell the doctor.
If you are a contact lens wearer, then the specialist might want to discuss several things regarding their use. This could include how long they are worn throughout the day, whether you sleep in them, if you go swimming in them, and how often they are cleaned and replaced.
A vision tester is sometimes only as good as the knowledge they get from a patient. If they have information on your lifestyle, habits and family history they should be able to provide better medical care and hopefully catch any eye problems before they deteriorate.
Upon first contact they will probably ask you about your health in general and about any current medical problems like high blood pressure. If you are a pregnant woman you need to explain this, as the eyes can be affected by not only health issues but also by changes to the body.
Although the focus of the specialist can often be on the present health of the patient, there should be no forgetting the past. Anyone with a history of medical issues, needs to let them know. They also need to discuss the health of family member, because some problems, such as glaucoma, could well be inherited. Moreover, previous surgery to the eyes or trauma to the eyes needs to be reported too.
What should not be overlooked is one of the most obvious things to tell the eye doctor, and that's about changes to your vision. If it becomes blurred, or is there's an increase in floaters or spots before the eyes then it could be an indication that urgent treatment is required. Sensitivity to bright lights or flashes before the eyes also need to be reported. Those that wear any corrective eye-wear should bring them to the appointment too.
If you're taking mediation then the eye doctor needs to be informed of this, as all prescription and non-prescription drugs have the potential to affect the eyes and vision. Additionally, any new medication that's prescribed could very well affect what you are already taking, perhaps producing complications.
There may be some things you wish to refrain from revealing, such as your present lifestyle. The simple answer to this is don't. Our habits in our social lives can have a profound affect on our eyesight. Things like smoking and drinking alcohol may impair the vision in the long run or at least could be a factor in its deterioration. The same goes for occupation. Those spending hours in front of a computer, or reading books, should tell the doctor.
If you are a contact lens wearer, then the specialist might want to discuss several things regarding their use. This could include how long they are worn throughout the day, whether you sleep in them, if you go swimming in them, and how often they are cleaned and replaced.
A vision tester is sometimes only as good as the knowledge they get from a patient. If they have information on your lifestyle, habits and family history they should be able to provide better medical care and hopefully catch any eye problems before they deteriorate.
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