10 Questions to Ask Your New Eye Doctor

You've finally made an appointment with an eye doctor. Maybe it's your first time seeing an eye doctor, or maybe you're just looking for a new one. Either way, it's important to ask the right questions during your appointment. Here are 10 questions you should ask your new eye doctor.

1. What is the best type of contact lens for my eyes? This question is particularly important if you wear contact lenses. There are many different types of contact lenses on the market, and your eye doctor can help you find the perfect fit for your eyes.

2. How often should I have my eyes checked? Depending on your age and health, you may need to have your eyes checked more or less often. Your eye doctor can tell you how often you should schedule appointments.

3. What are the signs of common eye problems? It's important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of common eye problems so that you can catch them early and get treatment as soon as possible. Ask your eye doctor about the signs of problems like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts.

4. How can I protect my eyes from damage? Whether it's wearing sunglasses or quitting smoking, there are things you can do to reduce your risk of developing serious eye problems. Talk to your eye doctor about ways you can protect your eyesight.

5. What are the risks and side effects of common treatments? If you have an eye problem that requires treatment, it's important to understand the risks and side effects associated with that treatment. For example, some medications used to treat glaucoma can cause side effects like dry eyes or blurred vision. Be sure to ask about risks and side effects before starting any treatment regimen.

6. What should I do if I experience sudden changes in my vision? Sudden changes in vision can be a sign of a serious problem, so it's important to know what to do if they occur. Your eye doctor can tell you when you should seek medical attention for changes in your vision.

7. What are the warning signs of a stroke? Some strokes don't cause any visual symptoms, but others do. If you experience sudden changes in vision along with other symptoms like weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking, it could be a sign of a stroke. Call 911 immediately if you think you may be having a stroke.

8. How can I tell if my child is having vision problems? Many children have undiagnosed vision problems because they don't know what to look for or don't realize that their vision isn't normal. If you're concerned that your child may have a vision problem, talk to your pediatrician or make an appointment with an eye doctor who specializes in children's vision care.

9. I have a family history of [eye condition]. Does this increase my risk? If you have a family history of an inherited eye condition, such as glaucoma or macular degeneration, you may be at increased risk for developing that condition yourself. Talk to your eye doctor about steps you can take to reduce your risk.

10 .I'm interested in [vision correction surgery/LASIK]. What are the risks and benefits? If you're considering surgery to correct your vision, it's important to understand both the risks and benefits associated with the procedure before making a decision .Be sure to ask your eye doctor about both the short-term and long-term risks and benefits of any vision correction surgery before proceeding .

These are just 10 of the many questions you could ask your new eye doctor. Don't hesitate to bring up any concerns or questions that you have during your appointment .After all, you're entrusting this person with one of your most precious senses!