A Visit to the Eye Doctor
Think you don't need to see an eye doctor because your vision is fine? Think again.
Eye exams aren’t only for people with poor vision. They're an important way of detecting eye problems before you have symptoms. Eye doctors can also catch other health problems -- like diabetes -- early.
Eye Exams in Your Baby's First Year
An eye exam -- in your baby's first year? Absolutely. Children should have age-appropriate assessments for eye problems in the newborn period, and at all subsequent doctor visits. Premature babies, or those with a family history of congenital cataracts, eye tumors, and genetic disease, should be seen by an eye specialist in the nursery. All babies should be examined by age 6 months to be sure each eye focuses, the eyes are straight, and there is no internal eye disease. Treating eye conditions...
Read the Eye Exams in Your Baby's First Year article > >
If it's been more than a few years since your last appointment -- or if you've never had one -- it's time to schedule a trip to the eye doctor.
What to Bring to the Eye Doctor
- Your glasses or contacts (if you wear them)
- You may want to not wear your contacts for a few days prior to the visit to allow for more precise measurements -- ask the doctor’s office when you make the appointment
- A list of any health conditions or allergies
- A list of all medications and supplements that you take
- A list of any specific questions you have about your eye health
- Your insurance information -- most policies will cover some eye care
What Will Happen During an Eye Appointment?
After filling out paperwork, you'll go to the examining room to meet the doctor. The exact type of exam will vary. But here are some things you can expect.
- Patient history. Your doctor will ask about your general health and any family history of eye diseases.
- Vision testing. Your doctor will check your close and distance vision. You'll read from charts of random letters. Your doctor may also test other aspects of your vision -- such as your ability to see in 3D, your peripheral (side) vision, and color perception.
- Tonometry. Your doctor will test the pressure in your eye with a puff of air or a device called a tonometer. Tonometry tests for glaucoma.
- Eye exam. Your doctor will closely examine the different parts of your eye. You may need drops to dilate your eyes -- to make the pupils open wide. This will help your doctor get a clear view of the inside of your eye. Dilation makes your eyes sensitive to light for a few hours. You'll need to wear sunglasses until the drops wear off. You may need someone to drive you home.
- Other tests. Depending on your health and age, you may need other further tests or exams.
Eye exams can sometimes detect early signs of glaucoma, diabetes, high blood pressure, and arthritis. If the doctor finds anything unusual, you may need a follow-up with your regular doctor or a specialist.
How long will it take? If it's your first visit to your new eye doctor, allow an hour or two. That includes time to get examined and to get fitted for a prescription if you need it. Later appointments won't take as much time.
Before You Leave the Office
- Make sure you have a copy of your eyeglasses prescription, if you need one.
- Understand where you should go to get your glasses or contacts prescription filled.
- Make sure you have instructions about how to use any medication if you need it.
- Schedule your next appointment or check-up.
WebMD Medical Reference
On Eye Health
Today in Eye Health
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
©2005-2013 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.