An eye exam may be one of the least stressful, least invasive doctor's visits you experience. So much so, that you might forget to include an eye exam on your annual wellness calendar. Still, good eyesight is critical to health and wellbeing. As you prepare for a visit to the eye doctor, or to take a loved one for an examination, provide the doctor with the most up-to-date health information. We have a few things you'll want to be ready to talk about:
1. Overall health
- Report any current health concerns, from headaches, neck aches, and back aches to diseases, conditions, or other health concerns.
- Bring your medication list. Include the name of each medication, what the medication treats, the dosage order and strength, and how long you have been taking the medications. Also include any vitamin or herbal supplements, and how much, you take daily.
- Allergies? If so, be sure to tell the eye doctor.
2. Family history
- Provide information on anyone in your family with eye problems or diseases, such as cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration.
- Provide information on anyone in your family with a history of other health problems that could affect the eyes, including diabetes, heart disease, blood disorders, or cancer.
- Mayo Clinic suggests compiling information on three generations of your family. Be sure to include great grandparents, grandparents, and parents, as well as uncles, aunts, siblings, cousins, children, nieces, nephews and grandchildren.
3. Past vision health problems or injuries
- If you’ve experienced any eye problems or injuries in the past, describe them to your doctor, along with any treatment you received.
4. Glasses or contacts
- If you wear prescription glasses or contact lenses, the doctor will want to read your prescription.
- Be ready to discuss any changes you need to contacts or glasses.
5. Current vision
- Discuss with your doctor any general eye problems or concerns you have, which might include blurry or hazy vision at specific distances, trouble with side or peripheral vision, or pain or discomfort in certain light.
6. Non vision-related questions
- Did you come to the appointment with specific concerns? Do you have immediate and longer-range vision needs? Do you have questions about vision care?
7. Bring all appropriate documents to your appointment
- Be sure to bring your ID, as well as your health and vision insurance information.
Be sure you’ve got the best vision insurance possible. We’ve got your back. Have a question? We’ve done the research and are here to help! To chat with one of our team members, call at 888-890-1944 or e-mail us at info@directbenefits.com.
Of note: The information provided here is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with a doctor or other appropriate medical professional you trust before making any healthcare changes. Also, please speak to your doctor before using any form of medication, whether that is prescription or nonprescription drugs.