QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT EYES | AFFINITY HEALTH
Affinity Health is a leading provider of high-quality health cover. Here, they highlight five essential questions to ask your eye care specialist.
Eye Care Awareness Month increases awareness about the significance of eye health. It encourages the prevention and treatment of preventable blindness.
The Importance of Eye Health
Did you know? 75% of blindness cases are preventable through early detection and treatment. So, ensure to have your eyes examined at least once a year.
The following can lead to vision loss:
Partial vision
Blurry vision
Squinting far or near
Eye muscle weakness (limp or lazy)
Eye conditions
Eye disorders
Chronic diseases
Unforeseen injuries or accidents
Abnormal eye motions
Eye pain
Visual field loss
Eye bulging
Eye infections
Chemical spurts
Smoke exposure
“It is always good to arrive prepared with questions,” says Murray Hewlett, Affinity Health CEO. Hewlett has led Affinity Health to remarkable growth for over 10 years. The organisation currently offers financial services to hundreds of thousands of South Africans.
“Having a list of questions provides you with peace of mind and educates you on the type of care to expect and, broadens your understanding of eye health.”
What Critical Questions Must You Ask Your Eye Doctor?
- What Tests Will You Perform?
That is an excellent question to ask when scheduling your appointment.
Eye exams go beyond the basic Snellen chart vision test. It helps your optometrist to know your eye issues in advance. That way, they can dedicate extra time and attention to your condition.
- What Do My Symptoms Mean?
Are you having problems with your eyesight? Or are you worried about how your eyes look or feel? Asking this question can help your doctor address your issue. Pay attention to the following dangerous symptoms:
Flashes of light.
Halos.
Redness.
Light sensitivity.
Eye pain.
Sharing all your concerns will equip your doctor to choose the best treatment plan.
- Can I Wear Contact Lenses? Is My Contact Lens Prescription Correct?
Although contact lenses are not generally covered, you can explore options.
There are different types of contact lenses on the market. They range from specialised scleral lenses for keratoconus patients to single-use disposable contacts. A complete eye exam from your doctor can help you find the right corrective contact lenses.
If you have myopia (near-sightedness), Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT) lenses may help you. These lenses gently remodel the cornea as you sleep.
- How Can I Keep Track Of And Preserve My Eye Health?
At the end of your appointment, ask your eye health specialist about ways to improve your eye health. The answer will differ based on your circumstances and eye condition(s).
If your eyes are in good condition, your doctor will most likely only recommend:
Annual checks
Precautionary steps
If you have an eye issue, your doctor may recommend
Acute or over-the-counter medication
Corrective spectacles or lenses
Corrective spectacles or lenses
Lifestyle modifications
More frequent appointments
- What Therapies Are Available For My Eye Condition?
To start, contacting primary healthcare services, such as those available 24/7 at Affinity Health, can help you as follows:
Save medical costs
Consult over the phone and in person
Basic eye screening
Home remedies
Lifestyle adjustments
Get a referral when you need it
It is always vital to select cost-effective treatment options. Especially if your consultations will be frequent. Various treatment options available at the moment include:
Non-invasive solutions such as contact lenses or spectacles.
Surgery, such as a corneal transplant.
Ensure to learn all the risks and consequences when selecting the best intervention for your eye health.
Make Your Optometrist Appointment
Many people neglect their eye health. They can cause severe difficulties later in life. But asking the right questions can help prevent eye illnesses.
Affinity Health’s Optometry benefit provides cover for Members’ optical requirements. Optometry services offered to all Members include:
Eye tests
Standard set of frames with lenses every 24 months
For more information on Affinity Health’s Optometry Benefit, click here.
About Affinity Health
Affinity Health is the leading provider of affordable medical insurance in South Africa. Members enjoy access to a network of healthcare providers. We have designed healthcare products to protect you and your family when it matters the most. We strive to give our clients peace of mind and the highest standard of service. For more information, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.