The yearly eye exam is the foundation of a good personal vision health strategy. During such an exam, your eye doctor inspects the health of your eyes and surrounding structures to check for disease. They also look at how light passes throughout the cornea and lens and measure your field of vision. If you are anticipating an exam, here are a few tips for what you can do to prepare for it.

How Do You Prepare for an Eye Exam?

1. Consider Any Recent Vision or Eye Issues

Before you visit the doctor, try to recall any eye problems you have noticed since your last checkup. Take notes, so you can mention them to your optometrist during the eye exam. Issues could include blurry or tunnel vision, eye pain, dryness, excessive tearing, redness, swelling, or drooping eyelids. These can occur due to infection, allergy, inflammation, nutritional deficiency, birth defects, or other conditions, and your eye doctor may be able to help.

2. Bring Your Contacts of Glasses

Always bring your old contact lenses or prescription glasses to your eye exam if they are available. If possible, bring your last prescription with you, as well. This information can be found on contact blister packs, on your old prescription form, and on the boxes of your old contact lenses. This helps the doctor fine-tune where your vision is currently, and the change in prescription can reveal areas of concern.

3. Learn Your Family's Eye Health History

Many medical conditions of the eye have a genetic component. For instance, glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, night blindness, and hundreds of other eye health issues run in families. Therefore, your family eye health history can help your doctor diagnose problems or eliminate areas of concern. Ask parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles if they have experienced any eye issues. Make a note of them, and bring them to your optometrist's attention during your eye exam.  

If you or a family member needs an eye exam, contact the optometrists at Pal Optical in Lexington, KY. They are locally owned and have served Fayette County patients for more than 50 years. They offer stylish frames for prescription glasses and sunglasses and contact lenses. They are renowned throughout the region for their friendly staff, compassionate care, and comprehensive vision health services. Learn more about them on their website, or call (859) 266-3003 to schedule an eye exam.