How to Get Ready for Your Next Optical Exam

So, you’ve finally booked that optical exam you’ve been putting off for months—or let’s be honest, maybe even years. Whether it’s your first appointment or just the latest in your journey to see the world a little clearer, walking into the eye doctor’s office can bring up everything from mild nerves to full-on anxiety. But here’s the good news: with just a little prep, you’ll feel more relaxed and your eye care team can help you even more.
Here’s how to step in feeling confident, calm, and ready to get the most out of your visit.
Give Your Eyes—and Your Calendar—a Break
Plan your appointment at a time when your eyes are at their best. If you’re always up late working on a screen or get puffy in the mornings, aim for midday. Try not to schedule the exam right after an all-nighter, an intense work session, or a long drive. Tired or strained eyes can make the exam less accurate. The day before, get a good night’s sleep, hydrate, and take it easy on the screens if you can.
Know Your Own Eye History (and Bring Backup)
Dig up your current prescription, any old glasses, and your contact lens case. If you’re using corrective lenses, wear them to your exam so the doctor can see how they’re working for you. Be ready to share any family history of eye disease, surgeries, or vision changes you’ve noticed. Write down any symptoms—like blurry vision, headaches, dry eyes, or flashes of light—so you don’t blank out in the exam chair.
Don’t Forget Your Meds and Questions
Make a list of any prescription or over-the-counter medications you take regularly, even if they seem unrelated to your vision. Some medications, from antihistamines to blood pressure pills, can affect your eyes. And—this is easy to overlook—bring a list of questions or concerns you’ve been meaning to ask. Wonder if you need blue light glasses, or what those annoying eye floaters mean? Now’s the time to get answers.
Skip Certain Things the Morning Of
Try not to wear eye makeup, especially mascara or eyeliner, to your exam—those pesky flakes can interfere with some tests. Give contact lenses a break (if your doctor asks) and avoid using whitening or medicated eye drops before your appointment unless directed. Makeup can alter your eye’s natural state and potentially skew the results.
Be Open About Your Lifestyle and Needs
Tell your optometrist how you use your eyes day to day. Do you spend hours gaming, reading, or working outdoors? Are you often in dusty or dry environments? The more honest you are, the more tailored the advice and prescriptions will be. Good communication helps your doctor spot patterns, notice changes over time, and offer solutions that fit your real life, not just the numbers on a chart.
Go Easy on Yourself
No one aces an eye exam or gets every answer right. The goal is simple: clear, comfortable vision that helps you make the most of each day. With a few minutes of planning and the right questions, you can make your next optical exam a no-stress, super-productive experience. And hey—even if you find out you need a new pair of glasses, there are worse things than shopping for frames that actually fit your style!