|
Chances are you have not given much thought about your risk for glaucoma. If you don’t wear glasses or contact lenses, you may not have been to an eye specialist in quite some time.
Be proactive. Early on, glaucoma has almost no symptoms. People may have glaucoma and not know it. Talking to your eye specialist about high eye pressure and your risk for glaucoma is an important step in preserving your eye health. Be prepared to make the most of each office visit and get your questions answered. We have developed this “Conversation Starter” to help you begin the discussion.
General Tips for Optimizing Conversations With Your Eye Specialist
- Write out your questions ahead of time and bring them with you. Conducting online research in advance might help you prepare a more complete list of questions. The Advocacy Partners section of this Web site lists multiple links that may be helpful in this regard.
- Consider bringing a family member or friend with you. It can help to have another person hear what is said and think of additional questions to ask. It is also important to have somebody else with you if you have your eyes dilated. Dilation may cause you to experience glare, some sensitivity to light, and some blurring of your near vision, and may affect your ability to drive.
- Take notes during the appointment with your eye specialist to make sure you understand what you are hearing. Ask for clarification, if necessary.
- Don't be afraid to ask questions or ask about where you can find more information. You have a right to know.
- Be forthcoming and persistent about issues that concern you. Trust your instincts.
Click here to download a list of questions you may want to ask your eye specialist.
|