Eye exams are an essential part of keeping your vision healthy. During a comprehensive eye exam, your eyes are tested thoroughly to discovery any current issues, as well as any future issues you may be at risk for.
You will also have a chance to learn more about your vision and how to keep it safe or even improve it in the future. Keep reading to learn some questions to ask your ophthalmologist at your next eye exam!
Is My Vision Getting Worse?
If you have concerns about your eyes, this is a great place to start. The ophthalmologist can very easily compare your vision with your previous measurements and what your vision should be like.
If your vision worsens, it could be due to many problems. Cataracts could be forming in your lens, you could be in the beginning stages of glaucoma, or maybe your eyes are just tired from using a screen too much.
Your ophthalmologist can identify the problem with an eye exam and develop a strategy to help you protect your vision.
Why Are My Eyes Always Dry?
Dry eye is a very common problem. There are many different causes of dry eye.
Dehydration, allergies, irritation, screen use, age, or even genetics can play a role. Finding out what exactly is the root cause of your dry eye can take some time.
Your eye doctor will find out if the problem has to do with your tear production or tear quality. If you are not producing enough tears due to age or dehydration, they may tell you to drink more water or recommend other treatment methods.
If your tears are missing ingredients, they may take a look at glands that are supposed to add oil to your tears and see if they are blocked. Dry eye has a large number of possible causes, but there are many treatment options available to help improve your symptoms.
Should I Switch Contacts?
Contacts are a common way to correct vision. They correct your vision similarly to glasses but are invisible and are placed directly onto your cornea.
Not every contact is the same, though. When deciding which contacts to use, you’ll need to either get daily contacts or monthly contacts.
Daily contacts are replaced every day. They are disposable, so you simply toss out the used ones when you go to sleep.
With dailies, you don’t need to worry about cleaning or storing your contacts. Monthly contacts, on the other hand, last longer.
They are thicker and stronger than daily contacts. However, they need to be cleaned and soaked every night to protect your eyes from infection.
There are pros and cons to each. Daily contacts are more convenient.
Having to worry about storing your contacts every night can be frustrating. However, if you have to remove them at all during the day, you cannot reuse them.
You will need to get a brand-new pair. This makes them more expensive in the long term.
Monthly contacts are better for the environment since there is less waste. They also tend to allow more oxygen to your eyes, making them more comfortable.
However, you also need to purchase cleaning solutions with them. Ultimately, you will need to decide what is more important to you.
Your eye doctor can help you make an informed decision during an eye exam.
Could LASIK Work For Me?
If you don’t want to make a decision regarding contacts, you might consider LASIK. This vision correction surgery is extremely effective for the right people.
However, you need to attend a LASIK consultation to know if you are eligible for the procedure. During your LASIK consultation, your eye doctor will go through a checklist to make sure you are a good candidate for the surgery.
They may consider factors like:
- Your age
- Your general health
- Any eye problems that could affect the outcome
- The thickness of your cornea
- Setting up realistic expectations for the surgery results.
If you are not a good candidate for LASIK, don’t worry. There are many alternatives that may work for you.
These procedures are often just as effective as LASIK, and may be safer depending on your situation.
How Should I Be Protecting My Eyes?
Your eye health does not begin and end at the eye doctor’s office. There is a lot you can do on your own to protect your eyes from future problems.
A common way to protect your eyes is with sunglasses. The sun’s rays can cause a lot of problems for your vision.
Just be sure to wear shades that are 100% protected from UV. Without the UV-blocking element, sunglasses may actually do more harm than good.
Is it time for you to have your next eye exam? Schedule an appointment at Ellis Eye & Laser Medical Center in San Jose, CA, for quality eye care and advice!
