There’s no denying that regular eye exams play a critical role in helping maintain your vision and your eye health. But what most people may not know is how often they need to have an exam to make sure they reap all the benefits they offer.
Vision and Ortho-K Center is a leading provider of comprehensive eye exams using state-of-the-art technology to screen for eye issues even before they cause noticeable symptoms. In this post, Curtis Frank, OD, reviews the current guidelines for eye exam frequency so you can add your exams to your regular healthcare routine.
The American Optometric Association (AAO) offers some general guidelines to help patients know when is the best time to schedule eye exams and how frequently they need them.
For kids, the AAO recommends an initial eye exam between 6-12 months of age. This exam identifies problems that can occur near birth so they can be addressed before they become more severe.
Kids need an additional exam between 3-5 years of age, then annually through age 17. These exams ensure your child’s eyes are developing normally, while also correcting early issues that could lead to problems in school or in social activities.
For adults ages 18-64 at low risk for vision or eye health problems, the AAO recommends comprehensive exams at least every two years. If you have risk factors for eye or vision problems, then you should have an exam every year or as often as Dr. Frank recommends.
For people 65 and older, the AAO recommends having an exam every year or more frequently if you have risk factors or current vision issues, like glaucoma or age-related macular degeneration.
You may have other risk factors that affect how frequently you need to have your eyes examined, as well. Dr. Frank will review your medical history, lifestyle, and other factors to recommend an ideal screening schedule specifically for you.
That settles how frequently you need an eye exam. The next question: Why are regular exams so important?
As noted earlier, children benefit from regular eye exams to “catch” issues early so they can be treated before complications develop or before vision issues affect their performance in school or social activities. Even a minor vision issue can make it challenging to complete homework, read, and participate in sports.
For adults, the reasons are a little different. Not only can eye exams detect early stages of vision problems that happen more often as we age, but they can also help detect non-eye-related diseases, like high blood pressure, diabetes, and even certain cancers.
Often, the very early stages of underlying health problems first appear in the tiny vessels or nerves surrounding your eyes. A comprehensive exam utilizes tools and techniques that can identify these changes early, allowing for screening and treatment as needed.
Even if you feel like your vision is fine, regular eye exams provide peace of mind, knowing that you’re taking proactive steps to maintain your eye health and keep track of your overall wellness, too.
To schedule your next eye exam, call to request an appointment with Dr. Frank and the team at Vision and Ortho-K Center in Boston, Massachusetts, today.
