What To Bring To Your Eye Exam
Posted on: 6 October 2020
Your eye health is vital. You can make sure your eyes stay healthy by seeing an eye doctor for routine eye exams. People who wear glasses and contacts should get their vision checked every year, but people with perfect vision should also have their eyes checked every few years. If it's been a while since your last eye exam, you may not know what you should do or expect. Here are four things you should bring to your next eye exam:
1. Insurance Card
Eyecare is handled in different ways by individual health insurance companies. Some insurance plans offer vision coverage that extends to contact lens fittings and vision aids, while others cover only diagnostic exams. However, it's likely that your eye exam will be partially or fully covered by your health insurance. Take full advantage of your insurance plan by bringing your insurance card to your eye exam. Your eye doctor will put your insurance information into their computer system and bill your insurance company appropriately.
2. Current Medical Information
Your medical information is relevant to your eye exam. You will be asked to fill out a form before your eye exam commences, which will ask you about preexisting conditions and current medications. The answers to these questions can impact your care, so make sure you provide information that is as accurate and detailed as possible.
3. Sunglasses
Toward the end of your eye exam, your eye doctor will administer eye drops that will dilate your pupils. Your doctor needs to dilate your pupils so they can more clearly see into the back of your eye for diagnostic purposes. Your eye doctor will use a bright light to examine your eye, which may feel uncomfortable, but you shouldn't experience any pain. Your eyes will remain sensitive to light for some time, so it's a good idea to bring a pair of sunglasses to your appointment. You will want to wear your sunglasses after your eye exam ends in order to minimize your discomfort until your eyes return to normal.
4. A Trusted Person
Once your eyes are dilated, they will stay that way for a few hours. You may experience blurred vision in addition to sensitivity to light. It's unsafe to drive until your eyes return to normal. Bring a trusted person with you to your eye exam. This person can drive you home after your appointment, so you won't have to worry about finding transportation when your vision is blurry.
Contact a clinic like Northwest Ophthalmology to learn more.
Share