Maintaining healthy vision requires periodic comprehensive eye exams not just to update prescriptions, but to monitor for early signs of disease and catch any changes over time. But what is the ideal exam frequency recommended by eye doctors? Here are general guidelines:
Children: It's best to start yearly exams from infancy to catch issues influencing development and learning. Vision changes rapidly at these stages.
Teens: Annual exams remain important through school years as vision typically stabilizes in late teens, but monitoring maturity is vital.
Adults: Obtain a baseline exam in early 20s and then return every 1-2 years, or as advised based on family history and general health conditions.
Computer Users: Anyone spending significant time daily on digital devices may benefit from yearly exams to check for digital eyestrain.
Over Age 40: After this milestone, eye health risks like glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration rise. Annual exams provide important screening.
Contact Lens Wearers: Must be examined at least once per year, but may need two visits for those adapting to or troubleshooting lenses.
Systemic Disease: For diabetes, high blood pressure and other systemic illnesses potentially impacting ocular health, follow an optometrist's guidance on frequency.
Eye Injuries/Surgeries: Culminating care or recent procedures dictate personalized schedules to continue monitoring impact and recovery.
While vision screenings at the pharmacy may seem convenient, only comprehensive medical eye exams through your doctor can fully diagnose potential concerns not yet causing outward discomfort. Regular care positions us to most promptly address issues before severe impairment risks. So book your appointment today! Your sight is too precious not to prioritize.