Caring for your eyes

You know your eyes and, if you are losing vision, you are the one primarily responsible for their care. Take a proactive approach to the state of your eyes and your vision.

If you experience any sudden change, don’t take risks. See your doctor. Just because your doctor said, “Come back in six months” does not mean you should wait.

The MeyeSight Visual Fitness Test allows you to monitor your vision regularly and to see any patterns of change.

If you see significant change, see your doctor. If you are offered an appointment in two months, persist. With diseases like AMD and glaucoma, once vision is lost it is lost.

They’re your eyes

Ophthalmology offices are busy places. It is easy to be intimidated by the speed at which your appointment rushes by. And you are dealing with scary prospects! When your doctor conducts tests such as field tests or OCT scans, be sure he or she explains the results. In order to take care of your eyes you need to understand what the tests show and how your doctor is treating your condition. This is true for medications as well. The more you understand about their purpose, the more likely you are to use them. Ask for your records, so that you can look at them outside the crush of the office visit and formulate questions for your next visit.

Supplements and vitamins

More and more studies are being done looking at the effects of vitamins and supplements on diseases such as AMD and glaucoma. Ask your doctor for recommendations. Even if your doctor thinks they may be helpful, he or she may not have the time to discuss these or not wish to commit to an opinion. They’re your eyes: do your own research.

Educate yourself

If you have a disease or condition that is causing you to lose vision, your ability to proactively make decisions about how to maximize your vision requires your understanding of what’s causing your vision loss. Learning all you can about your disease as well as about low vision therapy helps you make the best decisions.