Eye exams are crucial for maintaining your overall eye health. They can help your doctor detect changes in your vision so these changes can be appropriately corrected. Choosing a good eye doctor is only the first part of the process. You'll need to do your part as well. Here are three things you can do to get more out of your next eye exam:

1. Don't wait until the end of the year.

If you wear contacts, you know it's time to schedule an eye exam when you start running low on your annual supply. However, waiting until the last minute can lead to unforeseen challenges. Many eye doctors are very busy toward the end of the calendar year since patients often need to use their vision benefits before their insurance limits reset for the new year. This means you may have to wait several weeks for an appointment. Save yourself the stress of being without contacts by scheduling your eye exam at least a month in advance.

2. Ask for a glasses prescription.

If you've been wearing contacts for a while, your eye doctor may automatically assume that you only want a contact lens prescription. However, most people can benefit from having a backup pair of glasses. These are useful in case you ever have a day when your eyes feel irritated since glasses can give your eyes a break from contacts and allow them to rest. Ask your doctor for a glasses prescription at your next eye exam. There's no additional charge, and glasses prescriptions are good for two years so there's no need to use it right away.

3. Remember you can change contact lens brands.

There are many different brands of soft contact lenses available, with slight variations between each type. If your current contact lens is no longer working for you, speak up at your next eye exam. Tell your eye doctor about your concerns, such as whether you feel your contacts don't fit well or if they dry your eyes out. Your eye doctor can suggest brands that might be a better fit for your needs. They'll need to write you a prescription for the appropriate brand, but most eye doctors can offer you samples to try out, which can help you figure out if you like a new brand.

These tips will help you prepare for your next eye exam. Remember to always speak up if you're having a problem with your eyes or contact lenses. Your eye doctor is there to assist you in any way they can.