How Often Should You Get an Eye and Vision Exam?

How Often Should You Get an Eye and Vision Exam?

Regular eye exams are essential to maintaining good vision and overall eye health. While many people assume they only need an exam if they experience changes in their vision, routine eye checkups are crucial for detecting potential issues before they become significant problems. At Trinity Eye Associates, we recommend personalized schedules for eye exams based on age, health conditions, and risk factors, but here's a general guide to help you understand how often you should get an eye and vision exam.

Eye Exams for Children

Children's eye health is vital for their development and academic success. Vision problems can often go unnoticed and may hinder learning or cause difficulties in school. We recommend:

•          Infants (6 to 12 months): Babies should have their first comprehensive eye exam by their first birthday to assess visual development.

•          Preschoolers (3 to 5 years): As children prepare for school, it's important to have another exam to check for conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed eyes), or refractive errors.

•          School-aged children (6 to 18 years): Children should receive eye exams every year to ensure healthy vision development, especially if they use digital devices frequently.

Eye Exams for Adults

For adults, the frequency of eye exams depends on age, overall health, and whether you wear glasses or contact lenses.

•          Adults (18 to 39 years): If you have no vision problems, it’s recommended to get an eye exam every 1 to 2 years. However, if you wear corrective lenses or have certain health conditions like diabetes, more frequent exams may be necessary.

•          Adults (40 to 64 years): In this age range, it's essential to have an eye exam every year. This period is when eye conditions like presbyopia (age-related farsightedness), cataracts, and glaucoma start to develop.

•          Adults 65 and older: Seniors should have yearly eye exams. Conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration are more common in older adults, making regular exams critical for early detection and treatment.

Eye Exams for Those at Risk

Certain factors may increase the risk of eye problems and require more frequent checkups. These include:

•          Diabetes or high blood pressure: These conditions can lead to eye complications like diabetic retinopathy, which affects the blood vessels in the retina.

•          Family history of eye disease: If eye diseases like glaucoma or macular degeneration run in your family, regular monitoring is essential.

•          Occupational hazards: People who work in environments with potential eye hazards or those who spend long hours on computers should consider more frequent exams.

•          Wearing corrective lenses: If you wear contact lenses or glasses, you should get an annual exam to ensure your prescription is up-to-date.

What to Expect During an Eye Exam

A comprehensive eye exam at Trinity Eye Associates includes a series of tests to evaluate your vision and eye health. During the exam, we will:

•          Check your visual acuity (sharpness of vision).

•          Test your eye movement and focus.

•          Evaluate your prescription for glasses or contact lenses.

•          Perform tests to detect eye diseases like glaucoma or macular degeneration.

•          Assess overall eye health, including the retina and optic nerve.

Schedule Your Eye Exam with Trinity Eye Associates Today

Maintaining regular eye exams is key to preserving your vision and detecting potential issues early. At Trinity Eye Associates, we tailor our recommendations to meet your individual needs and ensure the best possible care for your eyes.

Schedule your next exam with Trinity Eye Associates and keep your eyes in optimal health. Visit our office in Oviedo, Florida, or call (407) 678-9151 to book an appointment today.