Eye exams become increasingly important as you get older. In the past, you might have relied on your exams to help you get glasses or contacts without worrying too much about the eye doctor finding something wrong. Now, you might have serious concerns about conditions such as retinal tears and glaucoma. Taking these steps will help you prep for your eye exam so that you get the most from your appointment.

Research the Doctor

Scheduling an eye exam is important for helping you identify common problems that could occur with your eyes, but you also want to make sure that you are working with a competent doctor that can help you correct any issues that they find. The ideal eye specialist for your needs makes education and experience a priority. Finding out that your chosen doctor can offer the latest treatments for providing the least invasive forms of care makes it easier to relax when you sit down for your consultation.

Make a List of Your Symptoms

Serious eye conditions often cause unusual symptoms that your eye doctor needs to know about. For instance, you might have started noticing halos around lights, or you could see dark spots in your vision. The best ophthalmologist will use the information that you provide along with their findings from the physical part of the exam to come to a complete diagnosis for your condition.

Gather Information About Your Health History

Certain eye conditions have genetic or lifestyle risk factors that can impact who develops them. Your eye doctor will want to know if your parents had macular degeneration or retinal problems as they age. You will also want to make sure your eye doctor knows if you have diabetes or heart disease since these conditions can impact your eyes.

Inquire About Eye Dilation

Eye dilation helps your ophthalmologist get a better look at the inner parts of your eye. Most people need an eye dilated exam about every one to two years starting around the age of 40, especially if they are at high risk of developing glaucoma and other eye diseases. Since the dilation drops can leave your vision blurry and your eyes sensitive to light, you might need to arrange for a ride home from your appointment if you will be having your eyes dilated.

Give Your Eyes Some TLC the Day Before

Going into your eye appointment with well-rested eyes helps you to perform necessary visual acuity tests at your peak capacity. Try to avoid spending too much time on the computer the night before your exam. You’ll also want to avoid drinking alcohol, which can leave your eyes dried out and scratchy. Other than that, make sure to get a good night’s rest, and remember to bring your glasses or contacts with you in the morning to your appointment.

The majority of eye exams are painless and relatively quick to complete. Yet, it does help to do a few things beforehand to make sure that your appointment is seamless. Make sure to ask your eye doctor if you need to do anything specific to prep for your exam, such as asking someone to drive you home afterwards, so that you can go into your appointment relaxed and ready to learn how to take the best care of your eyes.