The Top Questions For Your Retinal Specialist

California Retina Specialist

Each year, many people choose to make an appointment with their eye doctor to make sure their eyes are in good shape or to get a new prescription for their glasses. While many people leave these appointments with no surprising information, your eye doctor may recommend seeing a retina specialist. If you have never gone to see a retina specialist, it can help you to be prepared for your first appointment and know what to expect. Unlike an annual eye exam, you should know that you will likely be at your first appointment for a few hours, so make sure you set aside enough time for your driving as well as your exam. 

What happens at my first exam? 

Typically, you will start your appointment undergoing certain diagnostic testing. Expect that your pupils will be dilated and that you will need a friend or family member to drive you home from your appointment. After diagnostic testing, your doctor, like a California retina specialist from an office like the Retina Associates of Orange County will discuss your exam results and if any further testing is necessary. 

What should I bring with me to my exam? 

At your exam, it is good to have: 

• Any insurance cards and insurance information necessary for your appointment
• Sunglasses
• Eyeglasses, if you have them
• A list of any known allergies you have to medication
• A list of any medications you are on

What can retinal exams detect? 

You may be wondering: what is the point of undergoing an exam like this? A simple retina exam can go a long way in ensuring your eyes are healthy. These exams can help to detect things like: 

• Glaucoma
• Cancer
• Macular degeneration
• Diabetic retinopathy 
• Retinal detachment 

Particularly when it comes to your eyes, prevention is going to be key in ensuring they stay healthy. Your retinal specialist will be able to detect something early, especially if you get an exam annually. This can help show your eye’s health history over time and tell your specialist if there are any changes, good or bad. With a retinal exam, your doctor can tell you more about your eye health as well as your health in other areas of your body. If you are hoping to get on the schedule for a retinal exam, contact a local retina specialist’s office today. The sooner you go, the sooner you can begin taking better care of your eyes.