Look, it comes as no surprise to us that people avoid getting their annual eye exam. Health exams of any kind are not exactly the way most people would prefer to spend their day and eye care appointments are no different. The strange equipment, the insecurity about whether "one" was better than" two", that annoying puff of air, the confusion of whether the eye chart line read A D E or something completely different; all add up to an hour full of anxiety and unease. But there are two things to keep in mind during your eye exam to feel more relaxed:
1. There are no wrong answers so answer freely.
2. At least you're not at the dentist.
Seriously though, there are a few things you can do to make your visit much more seamless, getting you on your way and making your exam as efficient as possible.
Before your eye exam make sure to ask yourself the following questions:
Have I noticed any problems with my vision? Blurriness, flashes of light, double vision, floaters or difficulty seeing at night?
Do I have trouble with judging distances?
Can I distinguish the variances between red and green colors?
Am I taking good care of my vision correction equipment (contacts and glasses)
Have I had any serious health issues, injuries or surgeries during the last year?
Does my family have a history of eye disorders such as glaucoma or cataracts?
By honestly answering the above questions, your eye doctor will know what issues to look out for and what health advice to offer that is specific to your needs. Preparation and honesty will help make your eye exam a simple process that you will no longer look to avoid.