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.

If you have 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 an important component of eye care.

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 of the following eye changes, schedule an appointment with your ophthalmologist or optometrist immediately, even if you've seen an eye doctor recently. Signs and symptoms of possible vision problems may include:

• Severe, sudden eye pain
• Blurred vision
• Double vision
• Rainbows or halos around lights
• Needing frequent changes in your eyeglass prescription
• Flashes of light or sudden bright floating spots
• Seeing floating "spider webs"
• Seeing a "curtain coming down" over one eye
• Sensing a "cup filling up with ink" in one eye
• Sudden sensitivity to lights or discomfort from bright lights
• Swollen, red eyes
• Itching, burning, or a heavy discharge in the eyes
• White areas in the pupil of the eye
• Any unusual pain or discomfort.

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

• More accident-prone (consistently bumping into furniture, missing a curb, or knocking things over)
• Less active, withdrawn, or more dependent
• Unable to read the newspaper (even with the help of newly prescribed lenses)
• Unable to notice stains on clothing
• Uninterested in watching television or reading
• Involved in frequent near or actual road accidents
• Uncomfortable when 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 and remind you about questions you want to ask. Your friend can also take notes about information the doctor gives you.
• In this way, you are 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 relieve the anxiety associated with the occasional long waiting times before the doctor sees you.

Take Notes

• When you make your appointment, ask the doctor if you can bring a tape or digital recorder to help you remember information he or she shares with you.
• In this way, you'll be able to review the conversations that took place during your appointment at a time when you feel more relaxed in the comfort of your own home.
• If the doctor does not want to be 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

Make a list of your questions or concerns before 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 vision) 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?
• Are there treatments for my eye condition?
• Are there any special precautions I need to follow?
• Do I qualify as legally blind? If so, what does legally blind actually mean?
• Am I entitled to any special services or benefits?
• What medical and rehabilitation 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.
• Ask if the doctor has literature that you can take home to read and share with your family.
• Remember that the more you know about your vision, the better able you are to seek appropriate solutions, support, and benefits.

Protect Your Eyes

• Talk with your eye doctor about protecting your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) light. When you go outside, wear sunglasses and/or a wide-brimmed hat to reduce your UV exposure.
• If you are thinking of trying a new diet or changing vitamins, check with your doctor first.
• Do not take up smoking, and if you do smoke, try to stop. Tobacco chemicals damage the blood vessels behind your eyes and increase your risk of developing age-related macular degeneration. Tobacco use is also associated with other eye diseases, including cataracts and diabetic retinopathy.
• Wear protective goggles when working with tools and machinery, as well as during recreational activities.

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 a person'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.