Life gets busy, and it’s easy to overlook something like scheduling an eye exam. You might even think, “My vision seems fine; I don’t need an exam.” However, eye exams are more than just checking how well you see—they can also detect early signs of eye conditions that might not have obvious symptoms. So, how often should you schedule that eye exam? Let’s explore what factors influence the frequency and why it’s important for your overall eye health.
General guidelines for eye exams
The recommended frequency for eye exams can vary based on age, risk factors, and existing vision problems. Here are some general guidelines:
Infants and children:
- Around six months old, it’s time for your baby’s first comprehensive eye exam. This is a key step to ensure everything’s on track development-wise and to catch any potential issues early. If there’s a higher risk for eye problems, this exam is even more important.
- At around age 3 and once more before starting school, it’s good to schedule eye exams to catch any vision issues that might affect learning.
- Once they start school, aim for an eye exam every one to two years, especially if there’s a family history of vision problems or if they squint or sit too close to the TV.
Adults:
- Ages 18 to 39: Adults with no symptoms or risk factors should have a comprehensive eye exam every two years. If you wear glasses or contacts, we recommend scheduling an annual check-up to ensure your prescription is up to date.
- Ages 40 to 64: An eye exam every one to two years is recommended as age-related vision changes begin. This is when conditions like presbyopia, cataracts, and glaucoma may start to develop. If you have any risk factors, such as a family history of eye disease or certain medical conditions, you may need more frequent eye exams.
- Ages 65 and older: Annual eye exams are crucial as the risk for eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration increases with age.
High-risk individuals:
Certain individuals may need more frequent eye exams regardless of age. High-risk factors include:
- A personal or family history of eye disease
- Having diabetes or high blood pressure
- A visually demanding occupation or one that poses eye hazards
- Taking medications that have eye-related side effects
- Previous eye injuries or surgeries
For these individuals, annual or even more frequent eye exams may be necessary.
Why regular eye exams matter
Here are a few reasons why regular eye exams are essential:
- Spotting Eye Diseases Early: Many eye diseases, like glaucoma, progress silently without any symptoms early on. Routine exams can catch them before they cause significant damage.
- Updating Vision Correction: Your vision might change gradually without you noticing. Regular exams ensure you have the right prescription for the best vision possible.
- Monitoring Overall Health: Eye exams can reveal signs of systemic health issues, like diabetes and high blood pressure. Early detection can lead to better management.
- Preventing Eye Strain: With so much time spent on screens, eye strain is common. Our eye doctor in Spokane Valley can offer tips to alleviate discomfort and prevent long-term damage.
In conclusion
Our eyes deserve the same level of care and attention as the rest of our body. At EyeQ Optical, an eye exam with us isn’t just a routine checkup. It’s a full evaluation of your eye health, designed to catch a wide range of issues like glaucoma, cataracts, and even broader health concerns, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Our friendly and experienced optometrist will look at your visual acuity, eye movements, and alignment, while also examining the internal structures of your eyes for any signs of damage.
Don’t delay seeing an eye doctor because you may have an eye condition without realizing it! Please contact EyeQ Optical today to schedule your eye exam in Spokane Valley.