What Questions Should You Ask Your Ophthalmologist About in Michigan?
Your annual eye exam is the perfect time to learn more about various eye conditions, how to keep your eyes healthy, and general concepts related to the examination. You may have already asked your eye doctor questions over the years, but if not, the following are a few topics you may want to discuss with your ophthalmologist or optometrist.
Questions to Ask Your Eye Doctor
1. Am I presently at risk for any eye diseases or increased vision problems?
A variety of health issues impact your eye health, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, genetics, and even overall diet. Be sure to discuss medications you are taking and any general health issues you may have.
Concerned you are at risk in Michigan for eye disease?
Book now2. What types of sunglasses will best protect my eyes?
Typically, the best sunglasses are those that fully cover your eyes and the area around them, and they should also block UVA and UVB rays.
3. Why am I taking this test?
As you take each test – whether it’s reading the chart or taking the “puff of air” test – ask the eye doctor about it. Ask what it is, how it will work, and what information the doctor hopes to glean from it. After all, you’re a partner in your health care, so it’s important to understand the concepts.
4. What are the best eye drops for me? What is the best contact lens solution?
A multitude of eye drops are available on the market. Believe it or not, they are far from the same. Some are diluted with water, some are gel-like, and others are not ideal for contact lens-wearers, to name just a few differences. The same goes for contact lens solutions. Ask your eye doctor what factors you, in particular, should look for when choosing eye drops and contact solution.
5. Am I a candidate for LASIK? Tell me all about it!
Have a frank discussion with your eye doctor about your LASIK options. Many advancements have been made in recent years that may allow you to have that procedure completed easier than you ever expected.
6. What are the best ways to maintain my eye health?
Water and many different foods, herbs, and spices are believed to protect and improve eye health. While the word is still out, supplements such as fish oil may be beneficial as well. Ask your ophthalmologist or optometrist for an opinion about supplements, foods, and drinks that may promote healthy eyes.
7. What do these numbers mean?
If you receive a prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses, it will contain numbers that identify measurements and the strength of your prescription. Ask your doctor to explain the numbers. Understanding them may be helpful when you are purchasing eyeglasses or contact lenses. This is especially true if your contacts require different strengths; if you wear contact lenses, you should know which strength is for each eye.
8. How can I tell if my child needs corrective lenses?
There are many signs that a child may need eyeglasses, such as squinting or acting up in school. Back-to-school season is the perfect time to schedule an eye exam for a child.
9. Are you going to dilate my pupils? If so, how long will it take until I can drive home?
This is a question you may want to ask prior to your appointment. When you do, you can make arrangements for a ride home or plan to spend extra time at the doctor’s office until your vision returns to normal.
10. My eyes haven’t changed, and I feel fine. Do I still need an annual eye exam?
An eye examination is about more than obtaining prescriptions for contact lenses or eyeglasses. It will also help identify potential future problems as well as overall health issues you may wish to address. You also need updated prescriptions to order corrective lenses.
Contact Michigan Eye Institute
These are only some of the many questions to ask your eye doctor, as being armed with knowledge can help protect your eye health today and in the future. For answers to your questions, schedule an appointment or call one of our eye doctors’ offices in Flint, Lake Orion, Rochester, Grand Blanc, Fenton, or Lapeer.
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