The overarching goal of your appointment with an ophthalmologist in Singapore is to ensure good health for your eyes. On the day of the appointment, you can expect a thorough examination of your eyes to detect any issues or changes in vision.
This assessment can include tests to check your visual acuity, eye pressure, and the health of your retina and optic nerve. Also, during the appointment, the ophthalmologist will discuss any findings with you.
And most importantly, they will provide important guidelines on how to manage eye conditions. They can also prescribe glasses or contact lenses if needed.
In this article, we explain how to prepare for an ophthalmologist appointment. In particular, we explain the do’s and don’ts to keep in mind. Read on!
What to do when preparing for Ophthalmologist Appointment
Let’s face it; if you’re visiting the ophthalmologist for the first time, the preparation itself can be confusing. But it doesn’t need to be especially when you want to make the most of that visit. So, to ensure a smooth and productive visit, here are five key things to do when preparing for an ophthalmologist appointment;
● Compile Your Medical History
Before your appointment, gather information about any eye conditions you have. Also, list any surgeries you’ve undergone, and medications you’re currently taking.
This information helps your ophthalmologist understand your eye health better. It will also be key in tailoring recommendations to your specific needs. So, be sure to include any family history of eye diseases, as this too can be relevant to your diagnosis and treatment plan.
● Make a List of Questions and Concerns
Write down any symptoms you’re experiencing. It doesn’t matter even if they seem minor, or less significant. Just include them.
Also, include questions about your eye health, treatment options, and what to expect during and after the appointment. Creating this list before your appointment ensures you cover all your concerns. You will also need it for remembering important details your ophthalmologist may discuss with you.
● Bring Relevant Medical Records and Eyewear
Have you had eye exams, surgeries, or treatments elsewhere? Please, bring copies of those records to your appointment.
Also, don’t forget to bring your current eyeglasses, contact lenses, or any other vision aids you use. Your ophthalmologist may need to review these to assess your eye health accurately.
● Arrive Prepared for Eye Tests
Ophthalmologists often perform a series of tests to evaluate vision and eye health. These may include visual acuity tests, dilated eye exams, and intraocular pressure measurements.
To prepare, wear comfortable clothing. And most importantly, be ready to follow your ophthalmologist’s instructions during the tests.
Also depending on the needed tests, you may also want to arrange for someone to drive you home. This is most likely to happen if your eyes are dilated. So, make arrangements for this as well before your appointment to avoid any hiccups.
● Be Ready to Discuss Your Lifestyle and Habits
Your lifestyle and habits can affect your eye health. So, be prepared to discuss factors such as your occupation, hobbies, and use of electronic devices.
Your ophthalmologist may provide advice on how to protect your eyes. Again this isn’t generic but depends on varied factors. Also, be ready to discuss any changes in your vision. No matter how small, as these can be important indicators of underlying issues.
What to Avoid when Preparing for Ophthalmologist Appointment
Just like there are do’s, there are a few things you will want to avoid when preparing for your ophthalmologist appointment to ensure the accuracy of your eye examination and the effectiveness of the recommended treatment. Here are the don’ts or what to avoid when preparing for your ophthalmologist appointment;
● Don’t Wear Eye Makeup
Avoid wearing eye makeup like mascara, eyeliner, or eye shadow for example. You will want to avoid these types of makeup to your appointment as makeup residue can interfere with certain eye tests.
Keep in mind that any interference can make it difficult for your ophthalmologist to get an accurate assessment of your eye health. So, it is best to just avoid the makeup on this day.
Plus, makeup products can harbor bacteria. This means that they may increase the risk of eye infections. So as a general rule, remove eye makeup before your appointment to ensure that your eyes are clean and ready for examination.
● Don’t Wear Contact Lenses
If possible, avoid wearing contact lenses to your appointment especially if you’re going for a comprehensive eye exam. This is important because contact lenses can alter the shape of your cornea.
This alteration may affect the accuracy of tests such as corneal topography or intraocular pressure measurement. Also, your ophthalmologist may ask you to remove your contact lenses before certain tests to ensure accurate results. If you rely on contact lenses for vision correction, be sure to bring your glasses to your appointment.
● Don’t Skip Your Regular Medications
It’s important to continue taking your regular medications unless your ophthalmologist advises otherwise. Some medications, such as those for high blood pressure or diabetes, can affect your eye health.
So, your ophthalmologist will need to know about all the medications you’re taking to provide appropriate care. If you have concerns about how your medications may affect your eyes, discuss them with your ophthalmologist during your appointment.
● Don’t Drive Yourself (If Your Eyes Will Be Dilated)
To begin it would actually help to ask beforehand if your eyes will be dilated. If your ophthalmologist plans to dilate your pupils during your appointment, it’s advisable not to drive yourself home after the assessment.
This is important because dilated pupils can make your vision blurry. They can also increase sensitivity to light and make it unsafe to drive.
So, arrange for someone to accompany you to your appointment or for transportation home if your pupils will be dilated. It’s also a good idea to bring sunglasses to protect your eyes from bright light after dilation.
● Don’t Ignore Changes in Your Vision
Have you been seeing any changes in your vision? Changes like blurriness, double vision, or sudden flashes of light?
Don’t ignore them. These changes could be signs of underlying eye conditions that require prompt attention.
It’s important to discuss any changes in your vision with your ophthalmologist during your appointment. Your ophthalmologist can determine the cause of these changes and recommend appropriate treatment options to preserve your eye health.
Wrapping Up
An appointment with a qualified ophthalmologist can mean the difference between good vision and sometimes, permanent vision loss. So, try to get as many details as possible about the appointment as you prepare to get the most out of it. To schedule an appointment with a skilled ophthalmologist in Singapore, use the details below to get in touch and choose a date;
Chelvin Sng Eye Centre – Glaucoma | Cataract Surgery | Retina Specialist | Ophthalmologist Singapore
38 Irrawaddy Road Mt Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre,
#06-25,
Singapore 329563
+65 6334 2282
https://www.drchelvinsng.com/