Preventive Eye Care and Eye Examinations Are Important

Just as with annual physical examinations, it's equally important to have regular eye examinations. An annual eye examination is appropriate for most people. For persons with glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, or a family history of eye diseases or disorders, regular monitoring and more frequent visits may be required.

It's important to discuss your health care situation with your physician and your eye doctor and make sure you follow his or her advice about ongoing appointments, medications, and/or treatments. Prevention is key!

Some eye conditions and diseases are hereditary and family members may need to be monitored regularly by a general physician and an ophthalmologist or optometrist.

Signs and Symptoms of Possible Vision Problems

If you experience any eye changes, you should visit your ophthalmologist or optometrist immediately, even if you saw an eye doctor recently. Signs and symptoms of possible vision problems may include:

• Severe, sudden eye pain
• Blurred vision
• Rainbows or halos around lights
• The need for frequent changes in eyeglasses
• Discomfort caused by bright lights
• Flashes of light or sudden bright floating spots
• Seeing floating "spider webs"
• Double vision
• Sudden sensitivity to lights
• Swollen, red eyes
• Itching, burning, or a heavy discharge in the eyes
• White areas in the pupil of the eye
• Flashing lights, pain, or discomfort.

Other warnings or indications of a possible vision problem may include your becoming:

• More accident-prone (consistently bumping into furniture, missing a curb, or knocking things over)
• Less active, withdrawn, or dependent
• Unable to read the newspaper (even with the help of newly prescribed lenses)
• Unable to notice stains on clothing
• Disinterested in watching television or reading
• Involved in frequent near or actual road accidents and/or apparent discomfort in driving.

Take a Friend with You

It's a good idea to have a friend or relative accompany you whenever you make a visit to an eye care specialist or any other health care provider. This person can be your memory jogger by reminding you about the questions you want to ask and making notes about information that the doctor gives you. In this way, you are better able to concentrate on what is being said and ask additional questions that stem from these discussions.

Your friend can also be an emotional support if you're feeling stressed or nervous about your appointment or eye condition. Often, just the presence of a close friend or relative can help you feel more at ease and can help relieve those occasional long waits before the doctor actually sees you.

Take Notes

When you make your appointment, ask if the doctor minds if you bring a tape or digital recorder with you to record any information he or she shares with you. In this way, you'll be able to listen again to what took place during the appointment at a time when you feel more relaxed in the comfort of your own home. If the doctor feels uncomfortable being recorded, ask if he or she can write down your diagnosis, including what, if any, further action you need to take.

Prepare Yourself with Questions

You might also consider making a list of your questions or concerns before arriving for your appointment with the eye doctor. Your questions can include:

• What is the cause of my vision loss?
• What is my visual acuity (central vision)?
• Do I have a peripheral (side) field loss?
• Is my condition stable, or can I lose more sight?
• How can I protect my remaining vision?
• Do I need any special medication?
• Do I qualify as legally blind? If so, what does legally blind actually mean?
• Am I entitled to any special services or benefits?
• What resources are available to help me?

If you don't understand the answers to any of your questions, persevere! Ask the question again. Tell the doctor or technician that you didn't fully understand. You might also ask if the doctor has any literature that you can take home to read and share with your family. Do remember that the more you know about your vision, the better able you are to seek solutions, support, and benefits.

Protect Your Eyes

Speak with your doctor about protecting your eyes from ultraviolet light. If you are thinking of trying a new diet or changing vitamins, check with your doctor first. In terms of smoking, the Royal National Institute for the Blind (UK) advises, "Do not take up smoking, and if you do smoke, stop! Tobacco chemicals damage the blood vessels behind your eyes and increase your risk of developing age-related macular degeneration; tobacco is also associated with other eye diseases, including cataracts."

Should I get a second opinion about my eye condition?

The eyes and general health conditions of each individual are different and unique, and there are times when an eye doctor cannot improve an individual's vision. If you are not satisfied with your eye doctor's responses to your concerns or questions, consider visiting another doctor and getting a second opinion about your eye condition. Sometimes a new doctor can provide a different perspective or explanation about a particular situation or course of treatment.