4 Things Patients Must Do At An Eye Exam
Your eye doctor will conduct your next eye exam according to prescribed standards. However, you will need to participate, as well. Here are four things patients can do at their eye exam to receive the most effective care.
1. Remove makeup before you arrive.
It's best to avoid wearing eye makeup to the eye doctor's office. Some parts of your eye exam may cause you to tear up, especially if you have your eyes dilated. Tears can make eye makeup run, which may irritate your eyes. If you must wear eye makeup that day, remove it when you arrive at the optometrist's office. You can feel free to reapply your makeup after your appointment, but you may want to allow your eyes to rest for the remainder of the day instead.
2. Carefully consider each option when using a phoropter.
If you wear contacts or glasses, you've probably used a phoropter before. A phoropter is a machine that allows your eye doctor to test several prescription lenses on your eyes in quick succession. The doctor will ask if your vision is clearer with option one or option two, repeating this exercise until they find the lens that best corrects your vision. When your doctor tests various lenses on your eyes, consider each option carefully. More accurate answers will help your doctor write you the correct prescription.
3. Choose to have your eyes dilated.
Eye dilation is an important component of your routine eye exam. When your eye doctor dilates your eyes, they can see the back of your retina more easily, which can allow them to check the health of your optic nerve. Regular eye dilation will allow your doctor to diagnose glaucoma early, which can prevent blindness. People in good health should have their eyes dilated every two years. If you do not have a ride home, you can choose to postpone your eye dilation. However, you should avoid postponing it for too long.
4. Ask your eye doctor about specific concerns.
Eye doctors strive to provide relevant information to their patients. However, you're an individual with a unique lifestyle and needs. If you have a question or concern that your eye doctor does not address over the course of your appointment, feel free to bring it up. For instance, some swimmers experience eye irritation due to frequent exposure to chlorinated water. If your eye doctor knows about this problem, they can recommend fitted, prescription goggles or eye drops to alleviate your discomfort.