Eye Problems, Non-injury

Preparing For Your Appointment

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment

You can help your doctor diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer the following questions:

  • What are your main symptoms? How long have you had your symptoms?
  • Do your symptoms affect one or both eyes?
  • Have you had this problem in the past? If so, do you know what caused the problem at that time? How was it treated?
  • Do you wear contact lenses or eyeglasses? Do you think the problem is because of your contacts?
  • Have you had any vision changes, pain in the eye, double vision, excessive tearing, or increased sensitivity to light?
  • Have you had any exposure to toxic fumes, chemicals, or smoke?
  • Does anyone in your family or at your workplace have an eye infection, such as drainage from the eye or red and swollen eyelids?
  • Do you have allergies or are your eye symptoms occurring at certain times of the year?
  • What home treatment measures have you tried? Did they help?
  • What prescription or non-prescription medicines have you used? Did they help?
  • Have you recently travelled outside the country?
  • Do you smoke?
  • Do you have any health risks?

Go to previous sectionGo to previous sectionGo to top of pageGo to top of pageGo to next sectionGo to next section

Author: Jan Nissl, RN, BSLast Updated: January 23, 2008
Medical Review: William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Christopher J. Rudnisky, MD, FRCSC - Ophthalmology

© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

Click here to learn about Healthwise
Click here to learn about Healthwise
Topic Contents
 Topic Overview
 Health Tools Click here to view Health Tools.
 Emergencies
 Check Your Symptoms
 Home Treatment
 Prevention
Arrow PointerPreparing For Your Appointment
 Related Information
 References
 Credits