How Often Should I Have an Eye Exam?
While most people know to visit the dentist twice a year and the family doctor on an annual basis, many do not think to schedule an eye exam. In fact, most people only consider visiting an eye doctor if and when their vision begins to deteriorate. That said, eye exams are an essential aspect of a person's overall health. These assessments help to detect vision problems in the early stages, when most treatable. Regular exams can also help to correct or adapt to vision changes so the patient can continue to live a comfortable and fulfilling life.
When to get an eye exam, by age
How often a person should undergo an eye exam is dependent upon a number of factors. Age, overall health and risk factors all play a role in the development of vision problems. Generally speaking, there are certain guidelines which all individuals should follow.
Babies and toddlers
Pediatricians try to perform eye assessments on patients when they are still fairly young. Many children undergo the first eye test as young as one year old. Pediatricians perform these tests to check for common eye conditions that typically develop early in life such as crossed eyes, lazy eyes and misaligned eyes. If the test results reveal an issue or if the pediatrician notices symptoms suggestive of an eye condition, the doctor may recommend that the child undergo more comprehensive testing.
School-aged children and teens
As children age, it becomes easier to discern whether a vision problem exists. For instance, a young child may perform poorly in school despite demonstrating a strong capacity to retain information. A teen might complain of regular headaches. If a child or teen exhibits any symptoms of vision problems, an eye exam may be in order. This is also true if there exists a family history of certain eye conditions such as farsightedness, nearsightedness or vision loss.
If a child or teen has diabetes, regular eye exams are also recommended. Diabetes is one of the most common causes of vision loss.
Adults
How often adults should undergo eye exams varies. Adults who have no history of vision problems and are fairly healthy should follow this schedule for exams:
- Every five to 10 years between ages 20 and 30
- Every two to four years between ages 40 and 54
- Every one to three years between ages 55 and 64
- Every one to two years after age 65
That said, if an adult of any age wears glasses or contact lenses, eye doctors recommend more regular eye exams. "Regular" means exams every one to two years. If there is a family history of vision loss or eye disease or if a person has a chronic disease that puts them at risk of vision loss, they should also undergo routine exams.
Other risk factors that may call for an increased frequency of eye exams include taking medications that have visual-related side effects and working in an occupation that strains the eyes. A previous eye injury is also a risk factor for vision problems.
Conclusion
Vision problems can significantly affect the quality of one's life. For this reason, a person should undergo an eye exam at the recommended intervals to catch any problems early.
Request an appointment here: https://www.texasoptical.net or call Texas Optical at (214) 771-7333 for an appointment in our Dallas office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Recent Posts
Transitions lenses are an adaptive choice for prescription eyeglasses. Although you can purchase two pairs of eyeglasses — clear prescription eyeglasses and prescription sunglasses — it can be a hassle to lug them around and repeatedly have to switch between them. Not only do transitions lenses eliminate this inconvenience, but they also offer a plethora…
Typically, people only see an optometrist once a year or every two years. However, several instances require emergency eye care. Emergency eye care goes beyond a routine inspection, though the latter can help prevent many symptoms from manifesting. Here are eight signs that warrant an impromptu trip to the optometrist.Burning or itching can result from…
Maintaining healthy eyes is essential for overall well-being and quality of life. Optometry, the healthcare field dedicated to diagnosing and treating eye conditions, is critical in ensuring optimal vision and eye health. Regular eye checkups are a fundamental part of this process, as they help detect potential problems early and provide guidance for maintaining healthy…
The eyes are lamps for the brain, so receiving regular vision tests is a good idea. Depending on the general health of your eyes and the rest of your body, you may need one of these comprehensive assessments once a year or every two years. They allow the optometrist to ensure each eye's internal and…