Eye Care Prevention is Key!

Just as with annual physical examinations, it's equally important to have regular eye examinations. An annual examination is appropriate for most people. However for persons with glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, or a family history of eye diseases or disorders, regular monitoring and more frequent visits may be necessary. It's important to discuss your health care situation with your physician and eye doctor and make sure you follow his/her advice for any ongoing appointments, medications and/or treatments. Prevention is key!

Early Warning Eye Changes

If you experience any eye changes you should immediately visit an ophthalmologist or optometrist, even if you saw an eye doctor recently. Changes 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 or any loss of vision, pain or discomfort.

Other warnings or indications of a 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• Less active, withdrawn, or dependent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 a visit is made to an eye care specialist, or any other health care provider. This person can be your memory jogger by reminding you of questions you want to ask and making notes on information given to you by the doctor. 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 times, 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 would mind if you brought a tape recorder with you to record any information he or she has to share 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, and in the comfort of your own home. If the doctor feels uncomfortable being recorded, ask if he/she would write down what your diagnosis is and what, if any, further action needs to be taken.

Prepare Yourself with Questions

You might also consider making a list of your questions, or any concerns you might have, before arriving for your appointment with the eye doctor. Questions could 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 these questions, persevere! And ask the question again. Tell the doctor or technician that you didn't fully understand (maybe they used too many technical terms). You might also ask if they have 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.