Everything You Need To Know Before Heading To The Eye Doctor Office
If you're like most people, you probably wait until there's a problem before you go to the eye doctor. Did you know that getting your eyes checked regularly is an important part of keeping them healthy? Here's what you need to know about going to the eye doctor.
What should you not do before an eye exam?
When you go for an eye exam, there are certain things you should avoid doing in order to get the most accurate results. First, refrain from wearing any type of makeup or eye shadow. This can interfere with the eye doctor's ability to see your natural eye color and shape. Second, avoid using any type of eye drop before the exam. Eye drops can temporarily improve vision, which means they could give a false sense of how well your eyes are actually functioning. Finally, try not to drink caffeine before the exam. Caffeine can sometimes cause pupil dilation, which can make it difficult for the eye doctor to assess your eye health.
What's the difference between an eye doctor and an optometrist?
The word eye doctor is an all-encompassing term that could mistakenly be used to refer to multiple people with different duties. An optician is a technician who strictly fits vision-correcting equipment, like eyeglasses or contacts, on a patient. An optometrist, on the other hand, is a doctor who is responsible for determining your eyeglass prescription and examining your eyes for any diseases or deficiencies. Finally, an ophthalmologist is a doctor who specializes in treating eyes, including performing surgery as necessary.
What does an eye doctor look for in your eyes?
When you visit the eye doctor, they will take a look at your eyes to check for any vision problems. They are also looking for other things, such as eye diseases, like glaucoma. The eye doctor will examine the front part of your eye, including your cornea and iris as well as the blood vessels to check for any signs of swelling or leakage. Finally, they typically assess the pressure inside your eye by using an instrument to blow a small puff of air into your eye. All of this information helps the eye doctor diagnose any eye problems you may have and determine the best form of treatment.
Now that you know which eye doctor to see, what they are looking for, and how to prepare for your visit, you know why it's important to have an exam every one to five years, depending on your age. If you're overdue for an appointment, now is the time to book one.