1. Know your health history and that of your family, especially relating to any eye diseases, such as glaucoma. List them down chronologically.
2. Bring along all medications you are taking, even if they appear to have nothing to do with your eyes. Some drugs have side effects that could affect your eyes. Make a written list of this information ahead of time and bring it with you.
3. Be prepared to ask questions about your condition. As with your health history and medications, write your questions down ahead of time and bring them with you.
4. Find out before you go if you will be given drops to dilate your eyes. Although the effects of dilating drops are temporary, you may need to arrange for someone else to drive or to pick you up after your exam.
5. Bring all your eyeglasses with you. If you wear contact lenses, discontinue its use the night before and take them along with you in a clean container, together with your cleaning solutions.
6. Know your health insurance coverage for medical care and vision care. Most insurance companies do not pay for routine vision exams such as for eyeglasses. Others have limitations on anything outside routine procedures and, should you need any, you would then be personally responsible. Being absolutely certain of the limits of your coverage will help to avoid unnecessary confusion and disappointment.
7. Have yourself accompanied by a responsible companion if someone else needs to participate in the decision making process for your treatment.

During the Eye Exam:

Technicians or other office staff may conduct part of the exam, particularly such things as collecting information about your medical history and checking your visual acuity, refraction, and prescription lenses. All of this information will be reviewed by the ophthalmologist prior to his examining you. He will clarify presented information and investigate further on your subjective complaint. His objective examination will include:

• slit lamp biomicroscopy
• direct funduscopy
• applanation tonometry

Other examinations and/or procedures may be requested depending on the need. You, and your companion, should feel comfortable with your ophthalmologist's explanations. If some part of the process is confusing to you, ask for an explanation that is understandable in layman's terms and expect that one will be provided for you. Should you have further questions later, don't hesitate to call or visit us once again. There are no foolish questions, only ones you want answered and are free to ask. Also, there are usually printed materials about your condition that you can take home. You may also be directed to sections on this web which provide more detailed information specific for you and your condition.

Treatment and Follow-up:

It is important to follow your doctor's instructions for the use of medications, such as eye drops. It is equally important that you keep all scheduled follow-ups. Some eye conditions require careful monitoring at regular intervals. If your doctor recommends surgery, you should be told about the risks associated with it. Should you have any concerns, be sure to ask questions.