Your eye doctor in Gilbert, AZ is an important part of your healthcare team. They can help you keep one of your most precious assets: your sight. But they can’t do it alone – they need your help and cooperation to ensure that you get the most out of your eyes. Since knowledge is a key component of maintaining your ocular health, we’ve included three important questions to ask your eye doctor at your next visit.
Ask your eye doctor in Gilbert, AZ if anything about your eyes has changed since your last visit
Find out if your eyeglasses prescription has changed since your last visit. And if the answer is yes, be sure to check if the change is large enough to warrant a new set of glasses or contact lenses. Depending on the outcome of your exam, you may need a single pair of eyeglasses, or more than one. For example, you may need one set for distance vision, and one set for close-up vision. If you can tolerate progressive lenses, you may be able to get an all-in-one solution via a single pair. Discuss the pros and cons of the available options with your doctor.
If you have any pre-existing eye conditions, ask your doctor for an update on their progress. Have they remained stable, worsened, or improved?
If you’re on any prescription medication to manage an eye condition, double check if its strength or dosing frequency needs to be changed.
If a new prescription medication has been prescribed, be sure you understand what its purpose is and how to use it before you leave the office.
Ask if there is anything that you should be looking out for in regards to the health of your eyes
Based on the results of your exam and family history, your eye care professional will be able to advise you on what things you need to look out for in regards to your ocular health. Additionally, if you notice any changes in vision, you should definitely let your eye doctor know about it.
Ask if there is anything you can do to care for your eyes and preserve their optimal health
Aside from the basics of going for your regular appointments and check-ups, there are simple things you can do at home to preserve the health and well-being of your eyes.
First, do your best to eat right. Nutrition is an important component of overall health, including that of your eyes. For example, if you eat a diet that’s rich in fruits and vegetables (particularly dark, leafy greens), your risk of age-related macular degeneration will be lower. Eating three servings of fish per week can also help to lower the risk of macular degeneration. Carrots are a rich source of beta-carotene, which can help to preserve your night vision.
Remember that wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV damage can go a long way to preventing cataracts.
Smoking avoidance can also help to prevent age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.
Avoid eye strain when working at the computer by taking a break every 20 minutes to look at an object that’s 20 feet away for 20 seconds (the 20-20-20 rule).
This is just a small sample of the kinds of things that your eye care professional may suggest to help you preserve your ocular health.
See your eye doctor in Gilbert, AZ regularly and follow their advice
If you see your eye doctor regularly, ask the right questions and follow their advice, you’ll be firmly on the road to maximizing your ocular health and preserving your vision.