At some point in our lives, most of us will need to visit an optometrist. Going to an optometrist can be an intimidating experience. After all, they’re the experts on eyes, and you’re… not. But that doesn’t mean you can’t (or shouldn’t) ask questions!
We encourage you to ask lots of questions. The more you know about your eyes and your vision, the better you can take care of them. To get the ball rolling, we’ve put together a list of questions that will help you get the most out of your eye exam.
59 Questions to ask your optometrist during your appointment:
- What exactly is wrong with my vision?
- How often should I be getting my eyes checked?
- Do I need glasses or contact lenses?
- What are the risks of not treating my vision problem?
- What treatment options do I have?
- How much will the treatment cost?
- Will you accept my insurance?
- What are the side effects of the treatments you’re recommending?
- Will my vision ever get better without treatment?
- How long will the treatment take?
- What changes can I make to my lifestyle to improve my vision?
- Are there foods I should eat (or avoid) for healthy eyes?
- Should I be concerned about hereditary eye conditions?
- Can screen time harm my eyes? If so, how much is too much?
- Should I wear sunglasses when I’m outside?
- What’s dry eye and how can I treat it?
- How do I properly clean my glasses (or contact lenses)?
- How can I tell if I’m staring at the screen for too long?
- Is it better for me to sleep with the lights on or off?
- Do you have any recommendations for good over-the-counter eye drops?
- What do my eye test results mean?
- What can I do to improve my vision?
- Are my eyes healthy?
- Do I have any risk factors for eye disease?
- What type of contact lenses is best for me?
- How often should I change my contact lenses?
- Can I continue to play sports with this condition?
- What are some warning signs I should look for?
- How can I prevent further damage to my eyes?
- Is surgery an option for me?
- What are the risks and benefits of surgery?
- How long will the surgery take and how long will recovery be?
- Will there be any pain after surgery, and if so, how can I manage it?
- What complications can occur with this surgery?
- When can I expect the results of the surgery and how long will they last?
- Are there alternative treatment options?
- How much will this treatment cost?
- What type of patients do you treat?
- What are my payment options?
- What should I do if I have an emergency?
- Can you refer me to a specialist if needed?
- Do you have any brochures or other information I can take home?
- Are there any promotions or discounts I can take advantage of?
- Do you have any patient testimonials I can read?
- Do you belong to a professional organization?
- What are the symptoms of common eye problems such as dry eye, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration?
- Do I need to take special precautions when outdoors, such as wearing sunglasses or using eye drops?
- I’ve been having trouble seeing at night and in low light – could this be a sign of a more serious problem?
- Sometimes my eyes feel gritty or dry – what can I do to relieve this discomfort?
- Should I worry about digital eye strain from staring at screens all day?
- Should I worry about harmful blue light from screens affecting my sleep?
- Can you tell me more about how diabetes can affect my vision?
- What are some warning signs that may indicate a retinal detachment?
- How often do I need to have a comprehensive dilated eye exam?
- What are the risks and benefits of corrective surgeries like LASIK or cataract surgery?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of different eyeglass frames (e.g., metal or plastic, full rim or half rim)?
- Can you tell me more about progressive glasses and if they might be a good option for me?
- How can I find out if I’m a candidate for multifocal contact lenses?
- How can I find out if my family has a history of genetic eye disorders that could affect my vision?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an optometrist diagnose cataracts?
Optometrists are trained to diagnose and treat a variety of eye conditions, including cataracts. They will perform a thorough eye exam and prescribe appropriate medications or other treatments to improve your vision and quality of life. If you suspect you may have cataracts, you should make an appointment with an optometrist as soon as possible for prompt diagnosis and treatment.
What is astigmatism in your eye?
Astigmatism is a condition that affects the normal curvature of the eye, causing blurred vision and difficulty seeing objects at certain distances. This condition is caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens that distorts light as it enters the eye.
Astigmatism, while not a serious condition, can often be treated with corrective lenses or other types of vision correction, such as surgery. If you’re suffering from the symptoms of astigmatism, it’s important to consult a doctor to determine an appropriate treatment plan.
How do you prepare for an eye exam?
To prepare for your eye exam, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your optometrist in advance. Before the appointment, you should gather all relevant medical history and list all medications and supplements you’re currently taking.
It’s also important that you’re rested and focused on the exam so that you don’t make any mistakes or get confused during the test. Finally, you should bring any visual aids, such as glasses or contact lenses, to your appointment so the doctor can evaluate how they affect your vision. If you take these tips to heart, you can go into your eye exam confident and well-prepared.
Conclusion
Your next eye exam is the perfect opportunity to get all your burning questions about vision, eyewear, and eye health answered. By preparing yourself with a list of questions to ask your optometrist, you can be sure you’ll leave your appointment with the information you need to maintain a healthy vision for years to come!
