Talking to an Eye Doctor

You and your eye doctor are a team. By actively participation in the process of finding out what's wrong and actively observing your own eye health you can help your eye doctor to better treat you.

The following questions are a good start into the discussion with your eye doctor:

About your eye disease or eye disorder

What is my diagnosis?
What is causing the problem?
Can this eye condition be treated, how long will the treatment last?
How is the problem affecting my vision today and in a few years?
What specific symptoms must I watch for; do I need to notify you if I notice them?
Can I make lifestyle changes to improve my situation?

About the treatment that your eye doctor proposes

What is the treatment that you propose for this condition?
When are we starting the treatment, and how long will the treatment of my eyes last?
What benefits can be expected from this treatment?
How successful is this treatment of my eyes usually?
Are there any risks or side effects that can occur during the treatment of my eyes?
Are there foods, drugs, or activities I should avoid while I'm on this treatment?
If the treatment of my eyes includes taking medications, what should I do if I miss a dose?
Are there other or different treatments for my eye problem?
Why do you propose the specific treatment you mention and not the other ones?

About the tests the eye doctor performed on your eyes

What kinds of eye tests will you perform on my eyes?
What will these test show or tell about my eyes?
When will I know the results of the eye tests?
Do you want me to prepare for these tests in a particular way?
Do any of the eye tests have side effects or are there risks associated with these tests?
Will I need more eye tests later?

What the replies of your eye doctor mean

Like in any partnerships, good communication is essential, and you must be sure that you fully understand the explanations and answers of your eye doctor. Don't feel shy to ask if anything is 100% clear to you. The following suggestions will help you to create an environment in which you fully understand. Remember: The only stupid question the one that you never asked! (If not asked, there is no answer at all....)

Take notes about your doctors answers, or ask a friend or family member to take notes about the conversation for you.
Or go 'high-tech': bring a tape-recorder or other dictation machine (a recording app on your cellphone) to record the conversation. This allows you to later listen to it again.
Ask your eye doctor to write down the instructions to you.
Ask your eye doctor to provide printed material about your eye problems to you, or to show you where you can get more information.
Sometimes, nurses or pharmacists can also be good sources of information.