Questions You Should Ask During Your Eye Exam

Routine eye exams are one of the most important things you can do to ensure long-term vision and eye health. At SPEX in Seattle, WA, Dr. Scott Campbell and our experienced team are committed to helping you and your family protect your sight through comprehensive eye assessments and personalized care. Whether it's your first time seeing an eye doctor or you're a long-time patient, asking the right questions during your appointment can help you better understand your eye health and make informed decisions about your care.

These may include questions about how often you need an eye exam, what vision changes mean, and others. Keep reading for a full list of questions to ask during an eye exam.

What happens during a routine eye exam?

A typical eye exam at SPEX lasts between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on eye health history, current concerns, and whether additional testing is needed. To help ensure a smooth and productive appointment, we recommend bringing your eyeglasses, contact lenses, and a list of any medications (prescription and over-the-counter) you're currently taking. Generally speaking, a routine eye exam may include several of the following steps:

• Visual acuity test using a standard eye chart
• Refraction testing to determine your prescription using a view-finder-style device
• Visual field test to assess your peripheral vision
• Cover test to check how your eyes work together
• Ocular movement test to track how your eyes follow movement
• Color vision screening to detect color perception issues
• Slit lamp exam to provide a 3D view of the eye's external and internal structures
• Pupil dilation, when needed, for a more detailed view of the retina, optic nerve, and other eye structures

These tests give Dr. Campbell a comprehensive view of eye health and help detect early signs of vision problems and other eye conditions, like glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and more.

What questions should I ask my eye doctor during my exam?

Don't be afraid to speak up during your visit. Your eye exam is the perfect time to get clarity on your vision, your risk for eye disease, and your options for eyewear or treatment. Consider asking the following questions during an eye exam:

• Has my vision changed since my last exam?
• Do I need new glasses or contact lenses?
• Are there signs of any eye diseases or conditions?
• Should I be concerned about digital eye strain or screen time?
• How often should I get my eyes checked?
• What type of lenses or frames would work best for my lifestyle?
• Are there preventive steps I can take to protect my eye health?
• Do I need to get my eyes dilated today, and why?

Asking these questions can help you understand your current vision needs and stay ahead of issues that may affect your eye health down the road.

Should my kids get regular eye exams?

In a broad sense, yes — regular eye exams are just as important for children as they are for adults. Vision problems can affect a child's learning, development, and self-confidence, often without obvious symptoms. Based on your child's overall health, concerns about their vision, their age, and other factors, Dr. Campbell can make recommendations on the right age for a child's first eye exam. If your child is squinting, complaining of headaches, struggling in school, or avoiding reading, it's a good idea to schedule an eye exam as soon as symptoms develop.

At SPEX, we strive to make pediatric eye care comfortable and virtually stress-free, so both you and your child can feel confident in the care you're receiving. Just like at your adult eye exam, consider asking the questions referenced here during your child's vision screening for the clearest picture of their eye health possible and available options going forward.

Protect your family's vision and quality of life with regular eye exams in Seattle, WA

Eye health is an essential part of overall well-being, whether you're noticing changes in your vision or simply due for a check-up. At SPEX in Seattle, WA, Dr. Scott Campbell and our team offer comprehensive eye exams for patients of almost all ages, along with a full optical center featuring designer frames, prescription sunglasses, and customized eyewear solutions. Contact us today to schedule your visit and take a proactive step toward clearer, healthier vision.