What to Ask at Your Next Eye Check-Up?

The curiosity of a patient tells the doctor that they want to be involved in the treatment of their illness. But most often, we fail to take advantage of the short time with that one person who knows about our health better than us.

Even during eye exams, there are certain questions you can ask your eye doctor. If you’ve been having certain vision issues, ask your doctor about the same. They are the best people to seek first-hand information from. If you have an eye exam coming up and don’t know what questions to ask your optometrist, here are some questions to set you on track.

7 Questions to Ask During Eye Check-up

This time, when you go to an eye check-up, you will have some real questions related to your eye health to ask your doctor. Here are some of them-

1. Why do eye doctors use eye drops during exams?

During the eye test, the doctor does a comprehensive checkup and has to look inside your eyes. In normal cases, the doctor can perform your eye check without any eye drops or medications. But for certain eye conditions, your doctor might use an eye drop to dilate your eyes. The drop makes the pupils of your eyes dilate, which allows a better view of the internal structures of the eye, particularly the retina, optic nerve, and lens.

2. Is it normal for eyesight to change each year?

As we grow from childhood into adulthood, our vision naturally evolves, and just like us, our eyes age and change over time. If you wear glasses or contacts and go for routine eye exams, your eye doctor will check if your vision has changed and let you know if you need a new prescription. That’s why the NHS also recommends having an eye exam every two years to detect any changes in your vision.

3. Could my screen time be affecting my eyes?

Yes, spending a lot of time on phones, computers, or other screens can lead to eye strain. This is sometimes called digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome. Common symptoms include dry eyes, blurry vision, and headaches.

If you're noticing any discomfort, be sure to tell your eye doctor. It’s helpful to share how much time you spend in front of screens each day.

4. What symptoms might signal a problem with my eyes?

There are several symptoms which can be an initial signal towards a potential problem. Some of these are very common, like blurred vision, double vision, redness in the eyes, tearing, or difficulty in seeing at night can signal potential eye problems.

5. What causes my eyes to feel dry or irritated?

Dryness is common when you are working continuously on a digital device or not blinking for a long time. But if your eyes are frequently red, itchy, burning, tearing, or sensitive to light, it could mean that you have dry eye syndrome. You can consult a doctor to improve your condition and help with the right treatments.

6. Which foods are best for keeping my eyes healthy?

Certain foods can help support eye health and protect your vision over time. Leafy greens like spinach and kale are rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, nutrients that help filter harmful blue light. Carrots and sweet potatoes provide beta-carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A. Citrus fruits and berries are high in vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps protect the eyes from damage. A balanced diet rich in colourful fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats is key for healthy eyes.

Read More - Top 10 Foods For Healthy Eyes

7. Which vision-related warning signs should I pay attention to?

If someone in your family has an eye disorder, you must not skip this question in your next visit to your optometrist. Also, if you have a pre-existing eye condition, you should be aware of the warning signs that indicate the worsening of your eye health.

Even the small changes in your vision can go unnoticed if you aren’t well-informed. Knowing the signs and symptoms beforehand will help you seek early treatment in case they show up. The sooner you get treatment, the more likely you’ll get rid of the problem.

Wrapping It Up

You only have one set of beautiful eyes. It’s your responsibility to take care of them and prioritise their health. If you have something to ask, your eye doctor is the best person to answer all your questions. It’s only when you know better that you can take care of your eyes in a better way. We at Specscart offer a free comprehensive eye test to everyone. You can book online and get your eyes tested at any of our three stores in Manchester.