Top 5 Eye Exam Questions and Concerns

There are a lot of things that come to mind after scheduling an eye exam. It has been a whole year since your last checkup. Have things changed? Will you have to get glasses or contacts? Have your eyes worsened? You are not alone in your paranoia. Here are the top five eye exam questions and concerns to help you prepare for your next visit.

  1. What happens at an eye exam?

An eye exam may sound intimidating, but that is not the case. With an appointment, an eye exam is a quick—between 20- to 30-minute—check-up. This usually includes the iconic letter eye test and inspection inside and outside of your eyes. Timing can vary, if your doctor decides to run additional tests. This is the time to open up to your doctor about any issues with your vision. The earlier you catch vision problems, the better off your eye health will be as you age. Once your exam concludes, schedule your next visit.

  1. Has anything about my eyes changed since my last visit?

Your eyes age just like the rest of your body. This is a good question to begin your appointment with. It is important to know the ways your eyes can change as you get into your 30’s, 40’s, and so on. As we age, the risk of contracting a number of age-related eye diseases—such as glaucomacataracts, and macular degeneration—will increase. Continue seeing your doctor yearly, but if you notice even slight changes in your vision, do not hesitate to go in for a check-up.

  1. Should I be doing anything differently to take better care of my eyes?

Your doctor will recommend a number of things you can do and eat to maintain healthy vision. Diet plays one of the biggest roles in maintaining good vision, as well as wearing protective eyewear when working out, playing sports, or dealing with strong UV rays.

  1. Am I a candidate for laser vision correction?

This is a very common question from patients that have been wearing contacts or glasses for a long time. This answer is dependent on a few factors—age, current eye health, and if you are committed to following the pre- and post-eye surgery responsibilities. This is most definitely a question for your routine eye doctor as he/she will be able to give you the correct answer based on your history together and recommend a qualified laser vision doctor.

  1. How do I choose between glasses and contacts?

It comes down to personal preference, but there are some questions you should ask yourself before taking the plunge into either. If cost is a concern, glasses might be the right fit for you. Glasses can last for several years as compared to contacts that need to be replaced regularly. On the other hand, if you are the type to lose things easily, it is probably best you go the contacts route. Decide for yourself by going through some pros and cons of each, below. It is also a good idea to ask your doctor their recommendation if you are unsure.  

Pros to having contacts

  • Better peripheral vision and vision correction
  • No discomfort caused by frames
  • No broken glasses during physical activity

Cons to having contacts

  • Proper cleaning required
  • Shorter shelf life
  • Risk of infection if not properly cleaned

 Pros to having glasses

  • Stylish addition to wardrobe
  • Longer shelf life
  • Vision correction

 Cons to having glasses

  • Easy to misplace
  • Can be damaged if physically active
  • Peripheral vision is obstructed

Now you have read the top five most commonly asked questions and concerns regarding eye exams. You are ready to walk into an eye exam with confidence and all of the right questions in mind.  Schedule an appointment now; view a list of VSP doctors to find one in your network.

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