Preparing for an Eye Exam

An annual eye exam is a great step in taking care of not only your eyes but your overall health. Eye exams can detect signs of serious conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Visiting the eye doctor doesn’t have to feel intimidating, even if you haven’t been there in a while. Knowing how to prepare for the visit and thinking ahead is an important part of the eye exam process. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your next visit.

What to Know About Your Vision Benefits:

• For personalized information about your benefits, create an account or log in to your vsp.com account. You’ll see your vision plan and coverage and easily view benefits for all your covered dependents from your desktop, mobile or tablet. Click here to learn how to create an account.
• Once you’re logged in, you’ll also be able to find a VSP network doctor that accepts your vision plan and view how you can save with Exclusive Member Extras.

What to Think About Before Your Eye Exam:

• Have I noticed any eye problems such as blurry vision, flashes of light, poor night vision, or double vision?
• Do I have trouble judging distances or distinguishing between reds and greens?
• Is my vision impacting me from doing certain activities?
• How well am I taking care of my glasses or contacts? Do I take my contacts out each night and rinse them thoroughly?
• Have I had any health issues, injuries, operations, or sicknesses lately that my eye doctor should know about?
• Does my family have a history of eye problems such as glaucoma or cataracts?

What to Bring to Your Eye Exam:

• Your current glasses, sunglasses, and contacts.
• A list of current medications—and not just prescription medications. Your eye doctor can look at the list and determine if your medications could be affecting your vision.
• The name and address of your primary care doctor.
• If your appointment includes having your pupils dilated—and most yearly eye exams do—bring a friend or family member to drive you home. Many people can’t see well enough to drive safely after having their eyes dilated.
• Your vision insurance information.
• A list of the questions you want to ask your doctor, so you don’t forget them.

What to Ask Your Eye Doctor:

• Has anything about my eyes changed since my last visit that I should know about?
• What are my options for improving my vision?
• Am I a candidate for laser vision correction?
• What are the advantages of wearing both contact lenses and glasses?
• How many hours per day can I wear contacts?
• Should I look out for anything in particular when it comes to my eyes and overall health?
• How can I protect my vision while staying active?
• Should I be doing anything differently to care better for my eyes?
• Can I schedule my next eye exam?

When to Follow Up with Your Eye Doctor:

• If you receive contacts or glasses for the first time, plan to follow up with your eye doctor after about two weeks so you can report back on how well they are working.
• If your eye doctor adjusts your prescription and your new glasses or contacts aren’t working out, let your eye doctor know immediately.

With a little bit of preparation, your eye exam should be a simple and straightforward process. Take a few moments beforehand to get ready, and your eyes will thank you.

If you haven’t already scheduled your next eye exam, you can do it now.

Information received through VSP Vision Care channels is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your eye doctor, physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.