Routine eye exams are a major part of keeping your eyes healthy. They are necessary for the early detection of eye conditions.
When detected early enough, you may even be able to avoid potential vision loss and worsening of the eye condition. Routine eye exams so let your eye doctor track changes in your vision and diagnose serious conditions that may not have obvious symptoms.
If you know you need to have routine eye exams, you may wonder how often you need to see your eye doctor for one. Keep reading to learn how often you might need to have a routine eye exam!
Eyes Are Unique
Everybody’s eyes are different and have different needs. Some people have no chronic problems, while others may have issues that need monitoring.
For example, someone with diabetes is at a higher risk for vision problems and should take that into account. Age also plays a significant role in how often eye exams are recommended.
Children’s and teenagers’ eyes need more attention than young adults. As you get older, you will begin to need more eye exams again as your vision begins to deteriorate.
Your lifestyle is also taken into consideration. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, your eyes are going to be exposed to the sun more often, for example.
Sun exposure can also lead to problems if you aren’t careful.
General Recommendations
Before considering your personal needs, you can start with some general recommendations. These general recommendations are typically for average patients.
Children and teenagers should typically have an eye exam every year or two. Their eyes are still developing, so it is important to track their progress closely.
As their eyes mature, their needs may change quickly. School-aged children need to have good eyesight.
Poor eyesight can cause them to struggle in the classroom and stunt their education. Adults between the ages of twenty and forty typically need fewer visits.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that you receive at least one exam in your twenties and two exams in your thirties. That is only if you do not have any other vision problems or risk factors.
If you wear contacts, for example, you should see your eye care specialist every year. For most people, it is a good idea to go every two to three years.
Once you reach forty, you are going to want to increase your visits again. After forty, your chances of developing certain eye conditions increase.
These include glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration. An exam every one to two years is often recommended, especially if you have a family history of eye disease.
Changes in Vision
Regardless of your age or risk level, you should report any changes in your vision right away. Vision does change slowly over time, but sudden shifts can indicate an issue.
Underlying conditions can often be treated, but if you wait you could lose vision permanently.
Talk With Your Eye Doctor
How often you need a routine eye exam is complex. First, you need to find out if you have any risk factors.
Is it time for you to have a routine eye exam? Schedule an eye appointment with Levin Eyecare in Baltimore, MD, today!