Adults should get an eye exam every one or two years, depending on their vision care needs. Eye exams are quick procedures that can usually be completed in less than half an hour. Here are four things you can do to get ready for a routine eye exam:
1. Make a list of your concerns.
If you face any eye concerns in your daily life, your eye exam is an excellent time to bring them up with your doctor. Even if your symptoms aren't particularly bothersome, it's always better to have them addressed. There may be a simple fix for irritation that you face. For instance, people with dry eyes can find relief through medical interventions. Your eye doctor can only help you if they know what's wrong.
2. Wear your normal glasses or contacts.
It's best to wear your normal corrective lenses to your eye exam. If you usually wear contacts, don't switch to glasses just for the appointment. When you wear your normal corrective lenses, your eye doctor can inspect them as part of your eye exam. They may ask you to read lines off a vision chart while wearing your glasses or contacts. This can help them figure out if your current lenses are still working for you.
3. Remember that eye exams aren't painful.
Fear of going to the doctor is very common. Many people associate trips to the doctor's office with painful blood draws or injections. However, eye exams are not painful. During your appointment, your eye doctor will check the health of your eyes using a variety of machines. Some of these machines will blow a puff of air at your eyes and others will measure your ability to focus on objects both near and far. While you may experience slight discomfort, you can rest easy knowing that nothing will hurt you.
4. Plan to avoid driving for the rest of the day.
Pupil dilation is a crucial part of your eye exam. When your pupils are dilated, your eye doctor will be able to get a clearer view of the back of your eye. This allows them to check the health of your optic nerve, which is located behind your retina. Your doctor will use medicated eye drops to expand your pupils. The procedure shouldn't be uncomfortable, but you will be very sensitive to light, and your vision might be blurry until the eye drops wear off. It can take up to six hours for the pupil dilating medication to wear off, so you should find a way to get home that doesn't involve driving yourself.
For more information on eye care, reach out to a local eye doctor.
Share7 April 2020
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