Getting our eyes checked, especially with age, is one of life’s non-negotiables. But did you know the amount of sleep we get the night before an appointment can affect our eye exam’s outcome? Let’s talk about that.
How Lack of Sleep Affects Eye Exams
Sleep-deprived eyes can lead to inaccurate readings and measurements due to the following:
1. Reduced focus
When you’re tired, so are your eyes. For instance, have you noticed that your vision is more blurry when exhausted? That’s because tired eyes struggle to focus and adjust to see objects clearly.
If you go to your appointment with sleep-deprived eyes, you risk inaccurate visual acuity and refraction results. When sleepy, it will be harder to focus, and eye exams require intense focus. Your eyes need to track objects, stare at tiny letters, and concentrate on what the doctor is showing you. If your eyes and mind are fatigued, you may miss or misunderstand instructions, have trouble focusing on the tiny details, or be unable to concentrate for the whole duration of the exam.
2. Impaired blood flow
Inadequate slumber reduces blood flow to your eyes. These often-called “windows to the soul” require constant oxygen and nutrients to see clearly and maintain eye health. With less blood flow comes a higher chance of eye strain, dry eyes, and other issues that can interfere with your exam.
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3. Tired eyes work harder
As mentioned, eye exams involve various intensive visual tasks that require effort from your eyes. Tired eyes need to work harder to see clearly and can strain more easily. This extra effort and strain may impact your vision and eye measurements during the exam. The doctor needs your eyes to be well-rested in their natural state to get an accurate baseline of your vision and eye health.
4. Altered pupil size
Your pupils naturally dilate in dim light and constrict in bright light. But when you’re drowsy, your pupils may not react as quickly or fully to light changes, impacting eye exams that assess pupil function and response.
5. Other eye functions lag
Fatigue can temporarily interfere with various eye functions, including eye coordination, depth perception, and peripheral vision. Your eye doctor in Sun City, Arizona, must examine all of these visual skills to rule out eye disorders and diseases.
Getting sufficient rest the night before your eye appointment guarantees the most comprehensive and accurate results. Your eye doctor can then determine if corrective lenses or treatments are necessary. So, do yourself and your eyes a favor — catch up on sleep before your eye exam for the best possible vision assessment.
Further reading: Connection Between Vision and Sleep Deprivation
How Much Sleep You Need Before an Eye Exam
Most adults need eight hours of sleep per night to feel well-rested. Try going to bed a bit earlier the night before your eye appointment to ensure you get sufficient shut-eye. The extra hours of rest will help your eyes feel refreshed and allow them to focus better during the exam.
Tips for Getting Quality Rest Before Your Eye Appointment
Ensure accurate results. Here are some tips to help you sleep well and feel recharged for your appointment:
1. Limit screen time and blue light exposure
The light from TVs, phones, and other electronics can disrupt your sleep cycle. Avoid looking at bright screens at least an hour or two before bed. The blue light they emit suppresses melatonin production, making it difficult to fall asleep.
2. Create a relaxing bedtime routine
A routine that unwinds your mind and body will help you sleep better. Try taking a warm bath, listening to calming music, or reading a book before bed. Keep the lights dimmed and avoid caffeine, exercise, and stressful activities. A predictable series of steps lets your mind know it’s time to wind down.
3. Make sure your sleeping environment is ideal
Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet. Also, no matter how difficult this next piece of advice might be, particularly if you work from home, try to use your bed exclusively for sleeping to establish the proper association. Earplugs, eye masks, weighted blankets, and sound machines can help block out light and noise.
4. Go to bed earlier
Sleep a little earlier on the night before your eye exam. Waking up feeling refreshed will help you feel more energized and ready for your appointment, and your well-rested eyes will ensure the most accurate test results.
5. Avoid heavy meals, alcohol, caffeine, and late exercise
Eating or drinking large amounts before bed can disrupt your sleep. Have dinner earlier in the evening and avoid caffeine, alcohol, and sugar in the few hours before bedtime. Staying hydrated is okay, but limit excess fluid intake directly before sleeping to avoid waking up in the middle of the night.
Following these tips will give you the deep, restorative rest you need to be at your best for your annual eye check-up.
Takeaway: Don’t skimp on sleep the night before your eye appointment!
Your ocular health and eye appointments depend on you being well-rested. When you’re sleepy and fatigued, your eyes are more prone to irritation and dryness, and it’s more challenging for your doctor to get an accurate reading. Lack of sleep also makes it more difficult for your eyes to focus and track, impacting your results. Furthermore, keep in mind that the eye drops necessary to dilate your pupils during an exam may cause drowsiness and sensitivity. Being tired beforehand can make these symptoms worse. For these reasons, turn in early, get some quality sleep, and go to your appointment with well-rested eyes.
Where to Get an Eye Exam in Sun City, AZ
Keep seeing vibrant colors, crisp texts, and breathtaking sights. Your eyes work hard for you; treat them with the care they deserve. Call Arizona Retinal Specialists at 623-474-3937 to book your eye appointment and continue enjoying life’s beautiful details. We also recommend getting at least eight hours of sleep the night before your appointment.
