Glaucoma Health Center
Table of Contents
Getting Help
What are some questions to ask?
About my eye disease or disorder...
- What is my diagnosis?
- What caused my condition?
- Can my condition be treated?
- How will this condition affect my vision now and in the future?
- Should I watch for any particular symptoms and notify you if they occur?
- Should I make any lifestyle changes?
About my treatment...
- What is the treatment for my condition?
- When will the treatment start and how long will it last?
- What are the benefits of this treatment and how successful is it?
- What are the risks and side effects associated with this treatment?
- Are there foods, medicines, or activities I should avoid while I’m on this treatment?
- If my treatment includes taking medicine, what should I do if I miss a dose?
- Are other treatments available?
About my tests...
- What kinds of tests will I have?
- What can I expect to find out from these tests?
- When will I know the results?
- Do I have to do anything special to prepare for any of the tests?
- Do these tests have any side effects or risks?
- Will I need more tests later?
Other suggestions:
- If you don’t understand your eye care professionals responses, ask questions until you do understand.
- Take notes or get a friend or family member to take notes for you. Or, bring a tape recorder to help you remember the discussion.
- Ask your eye care professional to write down his or her instructions to you.
- Ask your eye care professional for printed material about your condition.
- If you still have trouble understanding your eye care professional’s answers, ask where you can go for more information.
- Other members of your healthcare team, such as nurses and pharmacists, can be good sources of information. Talk to them, too.