Routine Eye Exams: Essential for All Ages
Regular eye exams are crucial, regardless of age or physical health. During a comprehensive eye exam, your doctor will not only determine your prescription for glasses or contacts but will also screen for common eye diseases, evaluate how well your eyes work together, and assess your eye health as a reflection of your overall well-being.
Time to Update Your Prescription?
A complete eye exam includes a variety of tests to assess your vision and overall eye health. From reading an eye chart to advanced procedures using specialized lenses, these evaluations provide a thorough understanding of your eye condition.
Experts recommend scheduling a yearly eye exam to monitor changes in vision and detect potential eye conditions early.
Eye Exams for Children
Vision health plays a critical role in a child’s development and learning. Experts estimate that up to 10% of preschoolers and 25% of school-aged children experience vision issues. The American Optometric Association (AOA) suggests:
- First eye exam: At 6 months old
- Follow-up exams: At age 3 and before starting school
- Routine exams: Annually throughout school
Children with vision issues or risk factors—like premature birth, family history of eye disease, or developmental delays—may require more frequent exams.
For children who wear glasses or contacts, an annual exam (or as recommended by their doctor) is essential to ensure optimal vision.
Eye Care for Adults
The AOA recommends an annual eye exam for adults who wear glasses or contact lenses. Even without vision correction, regular exams are vital. Adults with conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure should have more frequent checkups, as these health issues can impact eye health.
- Ages 40-60: Schedule an eye exam every 1-2 years to check for age-related conditions like presbyopia, cataracts, or macular degeneration.
- 60 and older: Annual exams are essential, as the risk of eye disease increases with age.
Take the next step in protecting your vision—schedule your eye exam today!