If anybody in your family, especially your parents, has had a condition like glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration, you may be at higher risk of developing it. For example, family history of glaucoma can increase your risk of developing the condition by 4-9 times. [3] X Trustworthy Source American Optometric Association Professional medical organization dedicated to supporting optometrists and improving public eye and vision health Go to source Even if you don’t experience symptoms, you should schedule a yearly eye exam. You might also be at higher risk if you have diabetes or hypertension, wear contact lenses, underwent eye surgery, take certain medications, or work in a hazardous or demanding environment. [4] X Trustworthy Source American Optometric Association Professional medical organization dedicated to supporting optometrists and improving public eye and vision health Go to source
Ask your doctor a variety of questions, like whether your vision has changed significantly since your last visit and how you can best care for your eyes. Also, ask what you should look out for when it comes to your vision or what the difference between wearing glasses and contact lenses is. If you do have a problem with your vision, it will probably be best to address this sooner rather than later, so trust your doctor if they recommend a treatment.
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who can perform eye surgery and treat a variety of medical conditions of the eye. An optometrist is not a medical doctor, but they are trained to treat medical conditions of the eye with non-surgical methods, like prescribing medicine, eye drops, glasses, and contacts.
Look individual doctors up through your insurance company’s website. This is also the best way to make sure that your doctor takes your insurance. Make a decision about the doctor you’ll see after thoroughly reviewing all options in your area.
There are suggested guidelines for how frequently people should have an eye exam depending on their age and whether or not they are at risk for visual impairment. During your call, ask whether the office accepts your insurance and is in-network. This can affect how much you are billed for your visit.
If you’re a minor, your parent or guardian may need to show their insurance card and ID.
If you don’t have your own method of payment, ask a parent or guardian to accompany you on your visit so that you can get the necessary items you need.
You will likely be asked to remove your glasses or contact lenses during your exam, especially if your doctor does a test using dye, which could stain your eyewear. [10] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
A clinical assistant may measure your eye pressure and visual acuity with an instrument that blows a puff of air into your eye. This can feel startling but won’t hurt. [12] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Opthamologists Professional medical organization focused on advocating for public health and supporting sight-related research Go to source The test can also be done by placing a pen-like instrument on the surface of your eyeball. This is not painful — it feels like putting in a contact lens. [13] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Opthamologists Professional medical organization focused on advocating for public health and supporting sight-related research Go to source You might also be asked to rest your chin on an instrument and look at an image that goes in and out of focus. This test estimates your distance prescription. Another test may involve looking at a monitor and clicking a button whenever you see a flashing light.
A cover test to check your eye alignment. You’ll be asked to cover one of your eyes and focus on an object across the room, then an object nearby. [14] X Research source Slit lamp exam. You’ll rest your chin and forehead on a large instrument while the doctor examines the back of your eye with a high-intensity lamp. [15] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Opthamologists Professional medical organization focused on advocating for public health and supporting sight-related research Go to source A retinoscopy. You’ll look at a chart with differently-sized letters while your doctor flips lenses in a machine that’s in front of your eyes until you see the largest letter clearly. [16] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Opthamologists Professional medical organization focused on advocating for public health and supporting sight-related research Go to source Subjective refraction. The doctor may show you two lenses and ask you which looks clearer. The process is repeated until you reach the prescription that best matches your needs. [17] X Research source
The strength of your prescription may limit the style of glasses you get. Stronger prescriptions mean thicker lenses. Thick plastic frames can help conceal the lenses. You may also consider buying high-index lenses. These are thinner and lighter, but they also tend to be more expensive. [19] X Research source When setting your budget, also consider whether you will want anti-reflective coating, which will add to the price tag but can reduce your eyestrain and improve your vision by reducing glare. [20] X Research source Many anti-glare coatings also have scratch resistance and easy to clean properties also.
To prolong the life of your eyewear, clean them regularly with dish soap and a microfiber cloth. [21] X Research source If you wear contacts, take them out every night and rinse them thoroughly.
If you don’t need vision correction and are between ages 18 and 60, the AOA recommends you have an eye exam every two years. If you’re at risk for visual impairment, ask your doctor how often you should come for a visit. If you’re between the ages of 6 and 18 years old, you should have your eyes examined every year.
