As we go through our daily lives, we often forget to take care of our eyes. Eye exams are an important part of maintaining good eye health, yet many people neglect to schedule them regularly. So, how often should you get an eye exam? Let’s take a closer look.
The American Optometric Association recommends that adults between the ages of 18 and 64 get a comprehensive eye exam every two years. However, this can vary based on several factors such as:
Age
Age is an important factor in determining how often you should get an eye exam. As we age, the frequency of health problems such as macular degeneration and diabetes increase. Our eyes undergo changes that can lead to a variety of eye conditions. For example, cataracts are a common age-related eye condition where the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, causing blurred vision. Glaucoma is another age-related eye condition where the pressure inside the eye damages the optic nerve, leading to vision loss. Macular degeneration, which is also age-related, is a condition where the center of the retina deteriorates, causing a loss of central vision.
Medical Conditions
Medical conditions can also affect the frequency of eye exams. For example, diabetes is a medical condition that can cause damage to the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to vision problems. If you have diabetes, your eye doctor may recommend more frequent eye exams to monitor for diabetic retinopathy, a condition where the blood vessels in the retina become damaged. High blood pressure can also cause damage to the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to vision problems.
Family History
Family history can determine how often you need an eye exam. If you have a family history of eye problems like glaucoma or macular degeneration, you should get an eye exam every one to two years starting at age 40. If you have a family history of other eye conditions, talk to your eye doctor about how often you should get your eyes checked.
Vision Problems
Vision problems, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, can also affect the frequency of eye exams. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, you should have an eye exam every year to ensure that your prescription is up-to-date. If you notice changes in your vision, such as blurriness or double vision, you should schedule an appointment with your eye doctor as soon as possible.
In addition to these factors, it’s also important to note that children should have their first eye exam at six months of age, and then again at age three, and before starting school. Children with vision problems or a family history of eye conditions may need more frequent eye exams.
The frequency of eye exams varies based on several factors such as age, medical conditions, family history, and vision problems. It’s important to follow your eye doctor’s recommendations for how often you should have an eye exam to maintain good eye health.
Remember, early detection and treatment of eye conditions can help prevent vision loss and improve your overall quality of life. So, schedule your eye exam today with Davis Vision Center and take the first step towards better eye health.
