The doctor will test your distance vision and depth perception and check your eyes with special instruments. They’ll also use eye drops to dilate your pupils so they can examine your eyes. For a few hours after the eye exam, you might be a little more sensitive to light. An optometrist conducts the eye exam and writes the prescription for corrective lenses. An optician, either at the doctor’s office or at an optical store, helps you select your lenses and fills your prescription.
Doctors aren’t allowed to charge extra fees for the prescription or otherwise require patients to purchase lenses through their office. If you’re on a budget, shopping for deals elsewhere is often a lot more affordable than buying from a doctor’s office.
If you don’t have insurance, you should still check prices at your doctor’s office. Glasses are typically more affordable at optical chains and major retailers. However, you might find that your doctor offers competitive prices.
Use caution when buying glasses online, and avoid buying frames without first checking the fit and style in person. Be sure to type your prescription specifications into order forms carefully, and make sure there’s a return policy in case you have any issues. [5] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source
Your doctor may advise against wearing your glasses while reading or working on a computer. Depending on your lenses, looking at close objects while wearing glasses for nearsightedness could be bad for your eyes. When you’re not wearing your glasses, keep them in a hard case to prevent them from getting damaged.
At the fitting, the doctor will use an instrument called a keratometer to measure the curves of your eyes. They’ll also measure the sizes of your pupils and irises, or the colored parts of your eyes. The fitting is completely painless, so there’s no need to be nervous! Be sure your doctor gives you a hard copy of the prescription. Remember that they can’t charge an extra fee for the prescription or force you to purchase lenses through their office.
When shopping for contacts online, be sure to enter your prescription specifications carefully. [9] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source
You can also find extended wear soft contacts, which can be worn for a week or more. [11] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Opthamologists Professional medical organization focused on advocating for public health and supporting sight-related research Go to source
Hard contacts aren’t the best option if your prescription changes frequently. It might take some time to get used to wearing hard contacts.
Look down and blink to put the lens in place, then repeat the steps on your other eye. It’s wise to always start with the same eye so you don’t forget which lens goes in which eye. If you see any grit, rinse the lens with your contact cleaning solution. Don’t use a contact if you see any rips or other signs of damage.
You typically have to be at least 18 to have this surgery, because your refraction needs to be stable—which won’t happen if you’re still growing. [16] X Expert Source Rajesh Khanna, MDBoard Certified Ophthalmologist Expert Interview. 11 November 2020. There are several types of laser surgery, and your doctor will explain which method is right for you. Before undergoing laser eye surgery, your doctor needs to explain the potential risks and side effects, which include infection, scarring, permanent vision changes, dry eyes, and sensitivity to glare or light. You’ll need to sign a form verifying that you understand the risks of surgery. [17] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
Follow any other instructions provided by your doctor.
Laser surgery is an in-office procedure. You’ll probably only spend about an hour and a half at the office.
Most likely, you’ll have a follow-up exam the day after the procedure. At this appointment, the doctor will remove your eye shield and make sure you’re healing properly.
Hold your eyelids open carefully, don’t rub your eyes, and take care not to touch the tip of the dropper to your eyes. Follow your doctor’s specific instructions about properly using your medication. Your doctor may also prescribe an oral pain reliever or advise you to take an over-the-counter medication to manage pain. Take any medication according to your doctor’s instructions.
Additionally, avoid hot tubs and whirlpools for 8 weeks after the procedure.
Specific fruits and veggies that promote eye health include sweet potatoes, carrots, broccoli, strawberries, citrus fruits (such as oranges and grapefruit), and berries. [23] X Trustworthy Source EatRight. org Organization associated with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics providing advice about food, health, and fitness Go to source
While there’s strong evidence that being outside helps prevent nearsightedness, bear in mind there’s less proof that it slows progression once myopia develops.
Blink a few times as you do this. [27] X Expert Source Rajesh Khanna, MDBoard Certified Ophthalmologist Expert Interview. 11 November 2020.
Atropine is the medication used to dilate pupils during an eye exam. Keep in mind it isn’t routinely used to manage myopia, and is currently only recommended in special cases.
