How Often Do I Need an Eye Exam?

Eye exams help maintain good eye health and ensure you have the necessary prescription for glasses or contact lenses. But how often do you need to schedule an appointment? The answer to this depends on various factors, including age, overall health, and any existing eye conditions.  

Age is a primary factor determining how often you need an eye exam. Children and adults have different vision needs, necessitating diverse recommendations for how often to schedule an appointment.

 

Children

Regular eye exams are vital for children, as many vision problems can be easily corrected if caught early. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all kids have their eye examinations in the sixth month of their life, at three years, and before they begin kindergarten.

After that, children should have their eyes examined every two years unless they have a specific vision problem or risk factors requiring frequent checkups.

 

Adults 

As we age, our eyes change; with it, the risk of eye conditions increases. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that adults ages 18-60 have an eye exam every two years. The schedule will likely suffice if you have no signs of vision problems. However, adults with risk factors for eye problems such as diabetes, or a family history of eye disease, may need more frequent exams.

Risk Factors for Eye Problems

In addition to age, several other factors can increase your risk of eye problems and require more frequent eye exams. People with diabetes are at increased risk for eye problems, including diabetic retinopathy. The American Diabetes Association recommends that individuals with diabetes have annual comprehensive dilated eye exams.

 

High blood pressure can also increase your risk of eye problems, including hypertension retinopathy, which can cause vision loss. People with high blood pressure should have frequent eye exams to check for this condition.

 

If you have a family history of eye disease, such as glaucoma or age-related macular degeneration, you may be at an increased risk of developing these conditions yourself. In this case, more frequent eye exams may be necessary.

 

Symptoms of Eye Problems

Even if you do not fall into any risk categories discussed above, it is vital to be aware of the symptoms of common eye problems and schedule an exam if you notice any of them. These symptoms include:

 

• Blurred vision

• Double vision

• Difficulty seeing at night

• Sensitivity to light

• Seeing floaters or spots

• Redness or swelling of the eye

• Eye Pain
  
   

Importance of Regular Eye Exams

Regular eye exams are vital for a variety of reasons. One of the most obvious is that they can help you maintain good vision by catching any problems early and prescribing the appropriate corrective lenses. They can also help detect other health problems, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, that may impact your eye health.

 

In addition to these practical benefits, regular eye exams can help you feel more secure in your overall health and well-being. Knowing that your eyes are healthy can give you peace of mind, and it can be motivating to have a sense of control over your health.


 

To get evaluated and see how often you need an eye exam, schedule an appointment at Chagrin Valley Optometrists in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Call us at (440) 708-0020.