Preparing for an eye exam involves more than just showing up at your optometrist’s office. There are specific actions you should avoid ensuring that your exam results are accurate and reflective of your true vision and eye health. Here are five things you should not do before an eye exam.
1. Do Not Wear Contact Lenses for Extended Periods
If you are a contact lens wearer, it’s important not to wear your lenses for a prolonged period before your exam. Wearing contact lenses, especially overnight or for several hours before the exam, can temporarily change the shape of your corneas. This can lead to inaccurate measurements and assessments during your eye exam. Most eye care professionals recommend switching to glasses 24 hours before your appointment.
2. Avoid Consuming Caffeine
Caffeine can have a surprising effect on your eye exam results. Consuming caffeine can increase your intraocular pressure and may lead to temporary changes in your vision. High intraocular pressure can be a concern, especially if you are being evaluated for glaucoma. To avoid any potential impact on your exam results, it’s best to skip the morning coffee or any caffeinated beverages on the day of your eye exam.
3. Do Not Engage in Activities That Strain Your Eyes
Before your eye exam, avoid activities that can cause significant eye strain. This includes extensive reading, lengthy screen time, or exposure to bright or flashing lights. Eye strain can lead to temporary vision issues that might skew the results of your vision tests. Try to keep your eyes rested and relaxed before your appointment for the most accurate outcomes.
4. Skip Applying Eye Makeup
Makeup particles, especially from products like eyeliner and mascara, can interfere with the accuracy of certain eye tests. Makeup can also increase the risk of debris getting into the eye, which might complicate the examination process. It’s best to go to your eye exam with a clean face to avoid any potential issues and to allow easy access to your eye area for various tests.
5. Do Not Ignore Pre-Exam Instructions
Often, your eye doctor will provide specific instructions based on the type of exam you are scheduled to undergo. This might include fasting if your exam involves diabetes-related eye checks, or avoiding certain medications. Ignoring these instructions can lead to inaccurate test results or may even require rescheduling your appointment.
An eye exam is a vital component of your overall health care routine, and preparing properly can help ensure that you receive the most accurate assessment of your vision and eye health. By avoiding these five things before your exam, you can help optimize the conditions for precise results and effective diagnosis. Always follow any additional guidelines provided by your eye care professional to tailor your preparations to your specific eye care needs.
