Anamnesis is nothing more than a medical history. The term is defined in medicine as the systematic process of obtaining and documenting medically relevant information from a patient in order to make a correct diagnosis. Anamnesis is always performed during the patient’s first visit to the office or after a long break and at the presentation of new symptoms.

During the first meeting with the patient, the doctor always asks what brings us to him and so directs the conversation and asks questions formulated in such a way as to get the most detailed and precise picture of the situation.

Typical questions asked during such an interview:

  • What are the symptoms? Since when do they occur? How intense are they? How often do they occur? Do certain activities alleviate or exacerbate symptoms?
  • Is the patient currently taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications? Which ones and in what dosages?
  • What diseases have you had in the past? When exactly? Was the patient operated on in connection with them?
  • Are there any health problems in the family (diseases such as diabetes, heart attack, cancer)?
  • Is the patient currently exposed to any stressful situations (at work, family, other)?
  • Does the patient use any stimulants (alcohol, nicotine, drugs)? If so, how often and to what extent?
  • What are the symptoms? Since when do they occur? How intense are they? How often do they occur? Do certain activities alleviate or exacerbate symptoms?
  • Is the patient currently taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications? Which ones and in what dosages?
  • What diseases have you had in the past? When exactly? Was the patient operated on in connection with them?
  • Are there any health problems in the family (diseases such as diabetes, heart attack, cancer)?
  • Is the patient currently exposed to any stressful situations (at work, family, other)?
  • Does the patient use any stimulants (alcohol, nicotine, drugs)? If so, how often and to what extent?

Anamnesis also includes a comprehensive physical examination of the patient – depending on the specialty of the doctor to whom the patient reports. In many cases, the doctor also conducts a biographical anamnesis (e.g., work, marital status, sports and leisure activities), if only this kind of data can affect the course of diagnosis. For the same reason, vegetative anamnesis is carried out, that is, to determine the state of functions that the patient’s body regulates automatically, without his consciousness (such as sleep or appetite).

Correctly and reliably conducted anamnesis means that about 90% of diagnoses can be made accurately and unequivocally at the first visit.

Ophthalmic history is the basis of diagnosis in adolescents and adult patients. Only after the interview does the doctor proceed to test visual acuity and other tests that are necessary in view of the patient’s reported vision problems.

The ophthalmologist will also ask us about chronic diseases, as well as medications we are taking and exposure to harmful substances at work and at home (some of which can damage vision). Family history, which is essential in ophthalmology, instead refers to the occurrence of ophthalmic conditions (e.g., glaucoma) in a closer extended family, since some eye diseases are associated with a genetic predisposition.

As you prepare for your first visit to the ophthalmologist, you should be prepared to answer the following questions:

  • What ailments do you have and since when have they accompanied you?
  • Are the complaints occurring for the first time, or have you had a problem with them before?
  • Are the complaints affecting one or both eyes?
  • Have you ever worn glasses (e.g., as a child)?
  • Do you suffer from general diseases (diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, elevated cholesterol)?
  • Does anyone in your immediate family have eye diseases (glaucoma, cataracts, strabismus, age-related macular degeneration)?
  • Are you taking regular medications (both eye-related and for other ailments)?
  • What ailments do you have and since when have they accompanied you?
  • Are the complaints occurring for the first time, or have you had a problem with them before?
  • Are the complaints affecting one or both eyes?
  • Have you ever worn glasses (e.g., as a child)?
  • Do you suffer from general diseases (diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, elevated cholesterol)?
  • Does anyone in your immediate family have eye diseases (glaucoma, cataracts, strabismus, age-related macular degeneration)?
  • Are you taking regular medications (both eye-related and for other ailments)?

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