This sounds kind of stupid but PLEASE read everyone!!!?

Question

So I believe I am near-sighted....Is that where it's very blurry when you're trying to read close up but you can see better far away?? It's so strange considering I'm only 20 years old....But I've never been to an eye doctor before....So can someone fill me in how an eye exam goes? Also if I do need glasses do I have to pay for them upfront usually? (I'm broke for the time being but I just got my own insurance which is Aetna if anyone is familar with that)

Please help me out here!! I have an appointment tommorow morning.

Answer 1

Sounds like you are farsighted, which is not uncommon, even for young people, and glasses should help you out.

The optometrist will put a machine (phoropter) in front of your face and have you look through lenses to find your prescription.  You'll just have to read off letters that you are able to see.  Don't worry too much about being right or wrong, just do the best you can.

The doctor may also do some other tests with this machine to make sure your eyes work well together and are not straining too much.

There will be some kind of visual field test, either automated where you look into a little machine or with the doctor's fingers.

The optometrist will also shine a light in your eyes to check your pupil response and have you follow an object with your eyes to check your eye muscles.  Nothing too hard; just do as the doctor tells you.

To check the health of your eyes, the doctor will use a slit lamp (another machine) that shines a light in your eye.  You'll just have to move your eye around and blink when the doctor tells you to.

He or she will also use a handheld instrument (ophthalmoscope) to look into your eye.  This is best done dilated, so you may be dilated (and I suggest it if you have never had your eyes checked before).  Take some sunglasses because it will seem really bright after your eyes are dilated.

Finally, your pressures will be checked.  They do this by either puffing a little air into your eye or by numbing your eye and slightly touching it with a cone-shaped instrument.  Both ways are painless.

Actually everything should be painless, which is the great thing about the eye doctor.  :)  The doctor will give you clear directions for everything, so just relax and do as he or she says.  Feel free to ask questions, too, if you don't understand something.

I'm not sure about the payment, as I've always paid for mine in full.  I know places I've been to before do offer payment plans, though.

It's okay to wear eye makeup, but the doctor will have to touch your eyes (just to hold them open) and does need to look closely at your lids and lashes as well, so it may be better if you don't wear any.

Good luck!