When you go to the eye doctor for a routine visit, do you come prepared with a list of questions? Do you even know which types of things to inquire about? Many people don’t. They wait all year to see an eye specialist and end up walking in and out in under an hour. Rather than rushing through this appointment, make the most of it by asking the right questions.

5 Questions to Bring Along to Your Eye Exam

Here are five of the most important things to talk to your eye specialist about. We guarantee that you will find your visit to be much more satisfying when you engage with your ophthalmologist!

1. Am I at risk for developing eye disease?

One of the main purposes of visiting the eye doctor is to assess your risk for certain eye diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic retinal disease and age-related macular degeneration. The early diagnosis of these conditions allows for early intervention and the preservation of eye health.

2. Are there lifestyle changes I can make to reduce my risk?

If it turns out that you are at risk for certain eye conditions, talk to your eye doctor about what you can do to reduce this risk. For example, if you have high blood pressure, this can cause damage to the blood vessels in the retina. Eating a healthier diet and exercising may lower your risk.

3. How should I monitor my eye health?

It’s important to know what types of symptoms may indicate a problem with your eye health. For instance, once you turn 40 you are at risk for presbyopia, a type of farsightedness caused by a reduction in the elasticity of the eye. It happens to everyone, so it’s nothing to panic about. However, other changes in vision can indicate something more serious.

4. What will be done today during my visit?

Most routine exams include a visual acuity test, color blindness test, depth perception test, slit lamp exam, retinoscopy and refraction. Your eye doctor may also test for glaucoma and dilate your pupils, which allows them to check for other eye diseases. Not all tests need to be repeated each year, so ask about what was done during your appointment.

5. How often should I schedule my exams?

One last question to ask is how often you should visit your eye doctor. The general rule of thumb is that you should have your eyes checked once in your 20s and twice in your 30s, providing that you don’t need a prescription. Once you are in your 40s, eye exams will be scheduled more frequently. At age 65+, eye exams are recommended every 1-2 years.

Each eye exam is unique. Come prepared with a list of questions. We guarantee you will walk away feeling more confident about your eye health.