How Can You Prepare for an Eye Exam?

Going to the optometrist can be boring, scary, or exciting, for both adults and children. A child who loves puzzles and showing off their expertise may love the reading “games” that happen in that dim room. A busy adult might be frustrated that they need a new glasses prescription and have to take time out of their hectic schedule.

No matter how you feel about your next eye exam, here are some tips to help you prepare.

Setting Up the Appointment

You should be having appointments with your optometrist at least every two years—every year if you’re over 60 or have been instructed to do so by your doctor thanks to an eye condition. Luckily, with today’s technology, it is very easy to set a calendar appointment electronically for so far in advance. When you leave the office, put in an appointment for the beginning of the month two years down the road to remind you to set an appointment when the time rolls around.

When you actually call to schedule, you should be prepared to list and describe any vision problems you are having. Make this brief, but be as specific as possible. You will be able to go into more details during your actual appointment, but it’s good to give the doctor a heads-up.

Ask Away!

Your eye exam is your time to ask any questions about your eyes, their health, and how your lifestyle is affecting your vision. Before you go to the optometrist, think of a list of questions you might have. This will not only provide you with more knowledge, it will make your visit more personal and worthwhile. If you’re more invested in the appointment, it will be much more worth your time.

Put It In Your Purse

You won’t need to bring much to your appointment, but make sure you bring the following:

• All current glasses, contacts, and other precriptions
• Your primary physician’s information
• Someone to drive you home (if your eyes will be dilated)
• A list of all the medications, prescription and over-the-counter, that you are taking

Being prepared for your appointment will make it much more enjoyable for you and and your doctor. It’s very easy to prepare for and nothing to be afraid of. It can only benefit you.