Whether you are seeing an ophthalmologist or an optometrist for an initial visit or a check up, you will likely have several questions pertaining to your appointment or your diagnosis. Having a list of concerns and specific questions prepared before your doctor’s visit will put your mind at ease and will ensure your appointment is efficient. Some questions can be answered ahead of time, so try to get these questions out of the way to eliminate any surprises at your next appointment.
What tests will you be conducting?
Ophthalmologists perform a range of tests that can identify your symptoms and determine your diagnosis. Asking about the tests that are being conducted will give you a deeper insight and help you understand what is going on. It is best to ask your doctor this question beforehand so you know what to expect during your upcoming appointment.
What do my results mean?
If you meet with an eye doctor frequently, they will have likely already explained your diagnosis thoroughly. However, this is still a good question to ask if you are confused or need more clarification. The answer to this question can calm your nerves and could provide more information than the doctor originally provided.
Can you explain my symptoms?
When experiencing eye problems, it is important to understand the cause of your symptoms and be familiar with all symptoms that could occur. An eye disease can be serious, and being able to identify your symptoms will help you make sense of what is happening to your body. Alerting your doctor of other symptoms that occur could prevent the disease from worsening, making your eye doctor’s job easier in the long run. It is also a good idea to ask your doctor if there are any additional symptoms that you should be aware of. This will help you prepare for future issues and allow you to alert your doctor as soon as possible so they can provide you with the help you need.
Do I need to come back? If so, when?
Most eye issues require multiple doctor visits to resolve the problem. At the end of your appointment, ask your doctor if you need to come back and schedule your appointment then. This way, you don’t have to worry about scheduling an appointment at a later date and you can avoid the risk of forgetting about the appointment.
When should I get eye exams?
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, eye diseases can be misdiagnosed or ignored altogether because they don’t always have noticeable symptoms. This is why regular eye exams are crucial to maintaining your eye health and identifying new or worsening eye symptoms. It is important to ask your doctor this question so you know when to come back for your next eye exam. This will also ensure that you are looking ahead for possible diseases that could arise with age.
What steps can I take to prevent future eye problems?
Although multiple disorders could show up as you age, there are many steps you can take to prevent developing these infections. Your ophthalmologist can recommend a course of action that will help you combat symptoms long before they start to show up. This is a general question you can ask to ensure you are doing the most to protect your eyes. Even if you no longer have eye issues or have mild symptoms, it is still important to protect your eyes from the sun, allergies, conjunctivitis, or any other factors that could contribute to future eye symptoms.
At Medical Arts & Eye Clinic, we know the importance of meeting with an eye doctor. An ophthalmologist or an optometrist can help diagnose and treat any eye symptoms you may be experiencing. Experience a smooth and efficient appointment by preparing a list of questions you want answered. This will also help ensure that you and your eye doctor are on the same page. Contact us today to see how we can help you!