New Look for Summer

Posted on: 2 September 2015

Whether it's been a while since you had your eyes checked out or you've never done it at all, you may be feeling a bit nervous about your upcoming eye exam. This is normal, but it's good to put those fears aside and keep your appointment. The health of your eyes and your vision is extremely important, and the sooner you can start receiving regular eye exams, the better. One thing that can really help to ease your nerves before your appointment is to have a better idea of what to expect.

Talking and Filling Out Forms

First things first, you won't just be thrown onto some machine or be given an eye test the minute you walk in the door. Before your actual eye exam starts, you will likely be asked to fill out some basic paperwork about your overall health and vision. If possible, have any past medical records related to your eyes sent over. Fill out these forms to the best of your knowledge, making sure to include any medications you are currently taking and your personal and family eye health history.

After you've filled out your paperwork, you'll be able to speak with your optometrist about any concerns or vision problems you have been experiencing. After all of that is on the table, you'll be ready to begin your exam!

The Visual Acuity Test

Typically, the first test you'll be given is a visual acuity test. These tests are designed to see how sharp and clear your vision is and to warn the optometrist of any potential vision problems he needs to look for.

There is no pain or stress involved in this test, so relax! The optometrist will simply ask you to read numbers and letters off a chart from different distances and under different conditions. Don't worry if you get answers wrong; after all, you want the optometrist to get an accurate analysis of your vision.

Eye Pressure Measurements

One of the final things your optometrist may do is measure your eye pressure. This will help him to determine your overall eye health and any conditions that may exist.

This part of the exam makes many people nervous since it requires their pupils to be dilated. However, this is often done with just a few eye drops and is quick and painless. It may produce an odd sensation but not a painful one.

After the exam is complete, the pupils will remain dilated for a while, so it's smart to bring sunglasses to protect your eyes from harsh sunlight afterward.

So, knowing what to expect hopefully makes you feel better about and more prepared for your eye appointment (at centers like Beyond Vision in Millwoods). Even if you're still nervous, don't skip it! The health of your eyes matters!