Approximately 4.2 million Americans over the age of 40 have some form of visual impairment. If and when your doctor tells you it’s time you need to prepare questions for your optometrist so you can make informed decisions about your vision.
In this article, we list the top questions for your optometrist when it comes to getting new glasses. Continue reading if you want to take responsibility for your optical health.
1. Why Am I Getting Glasses?
One of the first questions for your optometrist should be about why you’re. It’s likely obvious that your vision requires some kind of correction. The correction might be due to short-sighted or long-sighted vision.
Whatever the cause of your vision impairment, understanding the problem is important. You should always take a responsibility to understand your health, including your vision. A good understanding helps you make informed decisions.
2. How Does the Process Work
One of the next questions for your optometrist should be about the process of getting new glasses. Once patients hear that they need glasses, they assume they’ll be walking out of the office with them the same day.
Some patients are surprised to learn that it can take a week or two before their new lens prescription is ready for pickup. They get an opportunity to select the frames they want, but they won’t have their new glasses right away.
3. How Will New Glasses Affect My Life?
Whether you’re short-sighted or long-sighted, getting new glasses is likely to affect your daily life. This is an important conversation to have with your optometrist, so you know when you should be wearing glasses.
Some prescriptions may require you to wear them while driving if you’re short-sighted. If you’re long-sighted, you should be wearing glasses when you read. Other patients may need to wear glasses at all times.
4. Are There Alternatives to Wearing Glasses?
If you’re not excited about one of the questions for your optometrist should be about alternatives. Many patients are eligible for contact lenses if they don’t like the look of glasses.
Surgically repairing your vision may also be an option, and is worth a discussion with your optometrist. You should have them explain the benefits as well as the risks, so you can make a decision.
5. When Should I Schedule My Next Exam?
While you should be making annual visits to your optometrist, means you should pay extra attention to scheduling appointments. Ask your doctor when you need to come in for your next appointment.
If you’ll be wearing glasses for the first time, your next visit will be to pick up your prescription. You may need to see your optometrist sooner than your annual visit if you have a medical condition that they need to monitor.
Ask the Right Questions Before Getting Glasses
Before you should prepare the right questions for your optometrist. Being involved in your diagnosis as well as your treatment plan can help you make informed decisions that are in your best interest.
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