Your eyes are a window to the world, and just like any other aspect of your health, they require regular check-ups to ensure they’re functioning at their best. Many people put off scheduling eye exams until they start noticing vision changes, while others think they only need to see an eye doctor if they wear contacts or glasses. However, regular eye exams are essential for everyone, regardless of age or vision needs. In this blog, we discuss why eye exams are important and how often you should schedule them.
Why are eye exams important?
So why should you make eye exams a priority? Eye exams are about so much more than updating your prescription for glasses or contact lenses. They’re a key part of spotting eye conditions and diseases early, often before you even notice anything’s wrong. Conditions like glaucoma and macular degeneration can develop silently without any symptoms in the beginning stages. Regular eye exams can catch them early, which means you can manage them better.
Moreover, your eyes can reveal a lot about your overall health. Diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and even certain types of cancer can be detected during an eye exam. Regular eye exams contribute to your overall well-being, making them an essential part of your healthcare routine.
How often should you see an eye doctor?
The answer to this question depends on several factors, including your age, your eye health history, and whether you wear glasses or contact lenses. Here are some general guidelines to help you determine how often you should see your eye doctor:
Children
- Infants: It’s recommended that babies have their first eye exam at around 6 months.
- Preschoolers (ages 3-5): Children in this age range should have at least one eye exam to check for common childhood vision problems.
- School-age children (ages 6-18): Eye exams should be conducted annually to ensure optimal vision and eye health, which are crucial for learning and development.
Adults
- Ages 18-39: If you have no vision problems and are at low risk for eye conditions, an eye exam every two years is generally sufficient. However, if you wear glasses or contact lenses, you should see an eye doctor annually.
- Ages 40-64: As you age, your risk for eye diseases increases. It’s a good idea to have an eye exam every one to two years, even if you don’t wear corrective lenses.
- Ages 65 and older: Seniors should have annual eye exams to monitor for age-related eye conditions like macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma.
High-risk individuals
If you have a family history of eye disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure or are taking medications with potential eye-related side effects, you may need more frequent eye exams. Our eye doctor can recommend a schedule that suits your specific needs.
Conclusion
Regular eye exams are a simple way to keep your vision and health on track. By staying on top of your check-ups, you can catch any potential issues early and enjoy clear, healthy vision for years to come. At Decatur Family Eye Care, our eye doctor has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating a range of eye conditions. We provide exceptional eye care for patients of all ages, from little ones to seniors! If it’s been a while since your last visit, contact us today to schedule an eye exam in Decatur.