Preparing for Your Home Eye Examination: Getting the Most from Your Visit

When our optometrist arrives at your home for your eye examination, a little preparation helps ensure the appointment runs smoothly and you get the most from the visit. Here's what to have ready and what to think about beforehand.

Gather your current glasses together, including any separate pairs for reading or distance. Even if you think your prescription hasn't changed, your optometrist will want to check your current spectacles against what your eyes actually need. If you have prescription sunglasses or glasses specifically for computer use, have those to hand as well.

Make a note of any medications you're taking. Many medications can affect the eyes or vision, and your optometrist needs this information to interpret findings correctly. Blood pressure tablets, steroids, antihistamines, antidepressants, and medications for diabetes are particularly relevant, but mention everything. If you have a printed medication list from your GP or pharmacy, that's ideal.

Think about any symptoms or concerns you want to discuss. Do you get headaches after reading? Have you noticed any flashes or floaters? Does your vision seem different in one eye compared to the other? Is glare from lights bothering you more than it used to? Jot these down so you don't forget to mention them during the examination.

Consider your visual demands. What tasks do you need your eyes for? Reading, watching television, hobbies, seeing visitors' faces clearly? Understanding how you use your vision helps your optometrist recommend the most suitable glasses.

If relevant, know your family history of eye conditions. Glaucoma and macular degeneration in close relatives affects your own risk profile and influences how thoroughly certain aspects are examined.

A room where you can sit comfortably works best for the examination. Access to a power socket is helpful for our equipment. Don't worry about having perfect conditions; our optometrists are experienced in adapting to all sorts of home environments and can test in most rooms.

Allow about an hour for the appointment. If your eyes are dilated with drops for a more thorough examination, your vision will be temporarily blurry afterwards, so you won't want to attempt any close tasks immediately.

At Atlantic Home Eyecare, we want every appointment to be thorough and valuable. A little preparation on your part helps us provide the best possible care.