What happens at your first eye exam?!
Question:
What happens at your first eye exam?
I am 22 and have never had a formal eye exam (only the types at the nurses office in school as a kid and at the DMV). I have noticed that my left eye is a bit blurry by itself, but the right is okay and they are okay together. I've finally decided I should bite the bullet and make an appointment with an eye doctor. Can someone tell me what's likely to happen at my first exam? I would like contacts if the doctor decides my vision needs correcting, if that makes a difference. Thanks :)
Answers:
First, when making the appointment, make sure you mention that you may want contacts, as this may make a difference in the exam, and requires allitle more time and the Dr. will want to have you scheduled appropriately. You will, if you have a comprehensive exam, which is what is required to do a through job, starts with the Dr. or tech taking a history, both medical of you and your family, so you may want to check if there is a family history of any eye disease. If you are on any medications, vit.'s, or herbs or recreational drugs, please tell the Dr. as many have an effect on the eyes. This includes things like birth control and visine. They will check your vision,and hopefully correct the problem, they will check for eye muscle problems, your field of view, your pupils, and exam in anterior anatomy with a microscope. They may dilate your eyes, if they are not fitting you with contacts, and this alows for a better view of postior part of the eye to evaluate the nerve and retina to rule out any potential eye disease. They will check your eye pressure, and then give you your diagnosis, your prognosis and options to correct anything and then give you any perscriptions you will need. Don't forget to mention any dry eye, or reddness or irrtation issues so they can be treated. You may want to mention if you have headaches as well. Ask questions, don't be shy, and let them know it is your first exam. When I know this, I explain everything I am doing as I do it, so the patient feels comfortable and learns...