5 Important Things You Should Know Before Visiting Your Optometrist

Whether you’re experiencing pain in the back of your eye, vision problems or you’re simply due an eye check, visiting an optometrist is a must. But, what can I expect when visiting an optometrist? What should I do before going to the eye doctor? Below, we will answer these questions, ensuring you’re prepared.

Common eye-related issues

Some of the most common eye-related issues include:

• Dry eyes – Dry eyes can make your eyes blurry, red, gritty, more water than normal, and sensitive to light.
• Presbyopia – This is the gradual loss of your eye’s ability to focus on objects close by.
• Glaucoma – The optic nerve, connecting your eye to the brain, has become damaged.
• Refractive errors – This means the shape of your eye does not bend light properly, causing a blurred image.
• Diabetic retinopathy – A complication of diabetes resulting from high blood sugar levels reaching your retina.
• Keratoconus – This happens when your cornea thins, gradually bulging outward into a cone shape.
• Cataracts – This is characterized by a milky, cloudy white lens in the eye.

Statistics about eye health

In the United States, approximately 12 million people aged 40 years old or above have a vision impairment. Of these people, eight million have vision issues due to uncorrected refractive error, three million have a vision impairment after correction, and one million are blind.

What is an optometrist?

An optometrist is a primary healthcare professional who is trained to examine your eyes to determine any defects in your vision, issues with your general health, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, ocular diseases, and signs of injury.

They provide clinical advice, make health assessments, refer patients for further treatment if needed, and prescribe eyeglasses.

What does an optometrist do?

Optometrists aim to offer solutions for people with eye disorders. Patients will first undergo a general eye examination, as well as taking in the medical history of the patient. Visual acuity tests are carried out and the eyes are checked for refractive errors.

They are also experts in handling contact lenses for abnormal cornea shapes, prescribing medication for diseases, and managing ocular disorders.

How do I choose an eye doctor?

If you need an optometrist, the best thing to do is use a doctor’s web-finding search portal, such as Doc360°. You will be able to search for a healthcare professional specializing in optometry in your location. You can then narrow down your search based on the unbiased rating that has been gathered and aggregated from multiple sources.

What questions should I ask my optometrist?

A lot of people ask; what should I do before going to the eye doctor? Well, firstly, make a list of any questions you want to ask so that you don’t forget them during your appointment.

• What tests are you going to run?
• What do my symptoms mean?
• How does my vision compare to what you would expect for a person of my age?
• What treatment options are there for my eye condition?
• How can I maintain and monitor my eye health from home?

Five things to know before visiting your optometrist

If you’re going to visit an optometrist, here are some things you should know:

• Your eye health history – It is important that your optometrist has an updated version of your medical records. Bring your current eyewear with you as well.
• Go in there with a clear mind (avoid being drawn in by an Internet diagnosis) – In today’s age, it can be easy to turn to good old Doctor Google when we notice any symptoms. However, nothing beats a trained professional physically examining them, so don’t assume that you already know the issue because you have done a quick search online.
• You can take notes and ask questions – Have your questions ready and take a notepad with you so you can write down the issues.
• Get a good night’s sleep – A good night of rest will help to make sure your eyes are prepared and refreshed for your exam.
• Bring your insurance documents – Finally, if your optometrist appointment is covered by your insurance, make sure you bring these documents with you.

Protect your eye health today

We hope you now have a better understanding of what you need to know when visiting an optometrist. If you follow the guidance above, you can ensure your appointment goes smoothly and you get the help you truly need.