The Importance of Eye Exams

You rely on your eyesight to connect to your surroundings and help you navigate day-to-day life. As a result, taking care of your eye health is essential. Eye exams play a significant role in eye care because they can measure your sight, help you detect potential eye diseases, and preserve your vision.

While eye exams are important for ensuring that vision prescriptions are up to date, they can also be useful for preventive maintenance regardless of your eye health. In some cases, people may not be aware of their eye issues due to a lack of symptoms. An optical exam can help facilitate early intervention and minimize further or permanent damage.

Aside from vision problems, an optical exam can also help detect other health conditions. The eyes offer a non-invasive view of the natural state of your blood vessels. During an exam, the eye doctor can identify changes in your blood vessels, which can help detect and diagnose diseases such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, and high cholesterol.

Eye Exam Frequency for All Ages

Beyond the critical milestones above, adding eye checkups to your regular health routine is essential. Here are various eye exam frequency recommendations based on different age groups according to the American Optometric Association:

• Age 3-5: Children aged 3 to 5 should go for an examination at least once between those ages or as recommended if they are at-risk patients.
• Age 6-17: An eye exam should be done at least once before the first grade and annually throughout. At-risk patients should go as recommended.
• Age 18-39: Adults between 18 and 39 should take an eye and vision exam at least once every two years. The exams should be annual or as recommended if they are at risk of specific conditions.
• Age 40-39: This age group has the same recommended examination frequency as the 18-to-39-year-old group, which is at least once every two years and annually or as recommended for at-risk patients.
• Age 65 and older: Adults 65 or over are advised to have annual eye exams or as recommended when they are at risk.

At-risk patients have underlying issues that can affect eye health, such as potential ocular disease or previous eye surgery. Depending on your prescription and condition, your provider will inform you if you are at risk and recommend the ideal eye examination frequency.

How to Prepare for an Eye and Vision Exam

Preparing for an eye appointment can help make the process run smoothly and efficiently. Preparation before your visit is simple and only involves a few steps:

• Make a note of the symptoms you are experiencing, if any, and disclose them to your optometrists or ophthalmologists before the exam.
• Know your medical or family’s medical history.
• Bring your latest vision prescription, glasses, and lenses to the appointment.
• Inform your provider of the medications you take, including non-prescription medicine.