Preparing For Your Annual Eye Doctor Appointment

It is a good idea for all adults to have an annual checkup with their eye doctor. Even if you have no history of wearing glasses and contacts, these regular appointments can help ensure eye problems like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration are caught early. But how do you prepare for your annual eye doctor appointment? Here's a look.

1. Bring your glasses or contacts.

Even if you only wear glasses for reading, and even if you have seen this eye doctor in the past and they know your prescription, you should bring your glasses or contacts along with you. This makes it easier for your eye doctor to assess your vision with your glasses or contacts. It also helps them reference what you're using currently when making recommendations for new glasses or contacts. 

2. Bring your family history.

If you don't know your family history of eye conditions, then it is time to make a few phone calls! Your parents and grandparents are the best people to talk to. If you cannot talk to them directly, contact siblings or aunts and uncles who might know your parents' and grandparents' history. You specifically want to know about conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, ocular melanoma, macular degeneration, and retinal detachment. Tell your eye doctor about the conditions that run in your family, and they will know what signs and symptoms to watch for.

3. Call your health insurance company.

Some health insurance companies fully cover annual eye appointments. Others only cover part of this service. It's good to know what your insurance covers before the appointment so there are no surprise bills. Give them a call to find out, or look on their website (if your insurance company provides this information on their website).

4. Write down any health changes — especially those related to your eyes.

It's common for patients to sit down in a doctor's chair and forget everything they wanted to ask or say. If this happens, you'll miss out on an opportunity to seek treatment and care. For the week before your appointment, keep a pad of paper handy. Jot down any changes in your health, symptoms, or other issues you want to bring up. Then just bring that paper with you to the eye doctor's appointment.

If you follow the tips above, you will be well prepared for your annual eye appointment. If you have any further questions, give your eye doctor a call and ask!