Questions For An Ophthalmologist

If you’ve recently scheduled an appointment at Tanner Clinic ophthalmology, you may wonder how to prepare for the visit. It’s normal to wonder what to expect and what ophthalmologist questions you should ask, especially if you haven’t been before. Here are some ways you can be prepared for your appointment and what to expect.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR AN OPHTHALMOLOGY APPOINTMENT?

There are a few ways to prepare for your visit to our Utah ophthalmology clinic. One way is to be prepared with all the necessary documents and information the doctor will need. Bringing your health insurance information and a photo ID will make the check-in process faster and assist the office staff in processing your insurance.

Along with your health insurance information, you’ll want to bring a list of your medications, any known allergies, vision problems, family history, and other health conditions. The ophthalmologist will be asking specific questions relating to your health. The ophthalmologist will also ask you if there’s any history of eye disease in your family. You may want to confirm your health history with close family members or your primary care doctor to ensure you provide the ophthalmologist with accurate information.

You’ll also want to bring any contact lenses and glasses that you currently wear. A notepad and pen are handy to have on hand if you want to take notes. Bringing a friend or a family member is a wise choice as well, just in case you’re not able to drive home after the tests are performed.

WHAT TESTS DO OPHTHALMOLOGISTS DO?

Your first appointment with an ophthalmologist will most likely consist of a few tests and screenings. Here are a few of the tests that are regularly performed:

VISUAL ACUITY TEST

The first test is called a visual acuity test. During this test, the doctor will display a chart with shapes and symbols, and you’ll be asked to identify as many as you can see. With this test, the doctor will have an idea of any vision issues you may have and how to proceed in helping you see better.

REFRACTION TEST

Another test that ophthalmologists may perform at your appointment is a refraction test. During this test, the ophthalmologist will observe how the light bends as it moves through the cornea and the lens of your eyes. This helps the doctor determine if the light bends correctly as it passes through. A refractive error means you may need glasses or contacts. If the doctor diagnoses you with nearsightedness or farsightedness, he will provide you with a device to view a chart from 20 feet away. This helps to determine the prescription of your eyes.

DILATION

Our Utah ophthalmology clinic commonly performs dilation during appointments because it helps the doctor obtain a better view of your eye. During this test, eye drops are placed in your eye to dilate the pupils. The pupils, or the black part of your eye, will get large. Dilating the pupils helps the eye doctor to view the back of the eye and get a better look at your eye health.

OTHER TESTS THAT THE EYE DOCTORS MAY PERFORM

It may seem like the doctor conducts quite a few tests, but they are quick and painless. Here are a few tests that the doctor performs:

Examining the pupils to ensure they respond to light properly
Checking the health of the eye muscles
Showing objects to the side of your face to test peripheral vision
Testing your 3D vision
Using a lighted magnifying lens to examine the health of the blood vessels and optic nerve
Inspecting the iris, eyelid, cornea, conjunctiva with another lighted device, known as a slit lamp exam
Performing a color blindness test
Using an instrument to blow a painless puff of air at the eye to test for glaucoma (also known as tonometry)

WHAT OPHTHALMOLOGIST Questions Should I ASK?

Asking questions at the ophthalmologist can better manage your vision health, but you might find it challenging to know what to say. Here are some questions you can ask that will help you understand your eye health a little better.

WHAT DO MY EYE TEST RESULTS MEAN?

After the various tests have been performed, you might be wondering what the results are and what they mean. After the ophthalmologist has discussed the results, you may want to ask what the results mean and what further steps you should take.

IS IT NECESSARY TO MAKE ANY LIFESTYLE CHANGES TO PREVENT EYE DISORDERS AND DISEASES?

Based on the results from your tests, you may want to consider asking the ophthalmologist about any lifestyle changes you can make to maintain healthy eyes. Such lifestyle changes may include less screen time and eating certain foods. Don’t be afraid to ask our ophthalmologists in Layton, Utah, who are happy to help answer your questions.

WHAT ARE SOME VISUAL SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS I SHOULD WATCH FOR?

If you have a family history of certain eye diseases or conditions, this question is especially important. Asking the ophthalmologist about signs or symptoms of disease to watch for can keep you proactive about your eye health and receive early treatment when needed.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO CARE FOR MY GLASSES AND/OR CONTACTS?

If you are given contacts or glasses after the exam, you’ll want to know how to care for them. The ophthalmologist will gladly demonstrate how to clean and store your contacts and glasses to ensure they remain in good condition. He’ll also inform you how often you need to replace the contacts and what schedule you should be following for cleaning and storing.