Preparing for an eye examination is an important step toward ensuring the accuracy and efficiency of your visit. A comprehensive eye assessment evaluates your vision, overall eye health, and how it relates to your body’s systemic functions. Bringing the appropriate items allows the eye care professional to accurately assess changes in your vision and screen for a wide range of eye conditions. This preparation helps tailor the examination and diagnosis to your specific needs.
Essential Health and Administrative Documentation
Administrative preparation requires you to bring your current vision insurance card and medical insurance card, if separate. A valid government-issued photo identification is also necessary to confirm your identity for record-keeping and billing. Having these documents organized prevents delays and ensures the correct processing of claims for services rendered.
A detailed list of all current medications is needed, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, supplements, and eye drops. Many systemic medications can impact ocular health, potentially causing dry eyes or affecting intraocular pressure. Providing the exact name and dosage allows the eye doctor to consider these potential interactions when evaluating your eyes.
A comprehensive history of systemic health conditions is important because the eyes can show signs of diseases originating elsewhere in the body. Conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure can cause specific changes in the retina, such as diabetic or hypertensive retinopathy. You should also discuss any known family history of ocular diseases, such as glaucoma or macular degeneration.
Current Vision Correction Information
To accurately determine your current visual needs, bring all pairs of glasses you use regularly, including distance, reading, and computer glasses. The eye doctor will measure the exact power of your current lenses using a lensometer. This measurement serves as a baseline for tracking refractive changes over time, informing the new prescription.
If you wear contact lenses, bring the exact boxes or prescription details, even if you feel the prescription is expired. The boxes contain specific information, such as the lens brand, material, base curve, and diameter, necessary for a proper contact lens fitting and evaluation. You should also bring your contact lens case and solution, as you may be asked to remove your lenses during the examination.
Bringing prior prescriptions, even old ones, helps the eye care professional understand the historical changes in your vision. This chronological data reveals patterns of stability or rapid change, assisting in diagnosing progressing conditions. The doctor uses this information to determine the most stable and appropriate vision correction.
Preparation for Post-Dilation Care
Many comprehensive eye exams require pupil dilation, using specialized eye drops to widen the pupil for a better view of the retina and optic nerve. This temporary procedure causes two main side effects: increased sensitivity to light and temporarily blurred vision, especially for close-up tasks. These effects typically last for a few hours, though the duration varies depending on the type of drops and individual factors.
It is highly recommended that you bring a pair of dark, high-quality sunglasses to wear immediately after the examination. Dilated pupils cannot constrict naturally to block bright light. Wearing sunglasses protects your eyes from discomfort and prevents further strain in bright environments.
Since blurred vision and light sensitivity can impair your ability to react quickly and focus, driving immediately after dilation can be unsafe. If you are uncomfortable driving while dilated, you should arrange for a family member or friend to drive you home, or plan to use a rideshare service.