Preparing for an appointment

Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.

What you can do

Before your appointment make a list of:

• Symptoms you've been having, and for how long
• All medications, supplements and vitamins you take, including the doses
• Any eye problems you've had in the past, such as vision changes or eye discomfort
• Family members with glaucoma, what type of glaucoma they had and how severe the condition was for them
• Previous, if any, glaucoma testing — for example, visual fields, imaging or eye exam records
• Questions to ask your doctor

Some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

• Do I have signs of glaucoma?
• What tests do I need to confirm a diagnosis?
• What treatment approach do you recommend?
• What are the alternatives to the primary approach you're suggesting?
• Do I need to follow any activity restrictions?
• What other self-care measures might help me?
• What is the long-term outlook in my case?
• How often do I need to return for follow-up visits?
• Do I need to see an additional specialist?
• I have other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?

What to expect from your doctor

A doctor who sees you for possible glaucoma is likely to ask you a number of questions, such as:

• Have you had any eye discomfort or vision problems?
• Do you have any other signs or symptoms that concern you?
• Do you have any family history of glaucoma or other eye problems?
• What eye screening tests have you had and when?
• Have you been diagnosed with any other medical conditions?
• Are you using any eyedrops?
• Are you using any vitamins or supplements?