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How Often Do You Need an Eye Exam?

At least once a year, if…

You probably already know that if you wear glasses or contacts, or if you have an eye condition like glaucoma or cataracts or health problems that increase the risk of eye disease like diabetes, you'll need a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year.

You will also want to check with us about the frequency of your exams if you have a personal or family history of eye disease, if you were born prematurely, if you are of African-American descent (because of a high risk for glaucoma), or if you have had a previous eye injury.

Immediately, if…

You should also be aware of some symptoms that could point to serious problems. See us right away if you experience any eye problems such as:

• Visual changes or blurred vision

• Double vision

• Pain

• Bulging or protrusion of the eyes

• Flashes of light

• Seeing spots or ghost like images

• Dark spot appears in vision

• Lines and edges appear distorted or wavy

• Dry eyes with itching and burning

• Redness of the eyes

• A change in appearance of the eyes

• Headaches or eye strain

• Tearing

• Injuries or infections

• Changes in your eyelids or pupils or eye movements

• Sensitivity to light

• New growths

This is not a complete list. Basically, any time that something changes around your eyes or with your vision, it's time for an eye exam by your eye specialist. By catching the problems early, you have the best chance of getting the treatment you need and preventing visual loss, blindness or more serious health problems. Come in today if you are experiencing any of these problems. Delays can lead to loss of your vision.

What if you don't have any problems?

What if you don't wear glasses or contacts? What if you're healthy and you aren't having any problems with your eyes? How often do you need to get your eyes examined? Usually it depends upon your age. If you don't wear glasses or contacts, your eyes are healthy and you have no medical problems or family history of eye disease you will still need a comprehensive eye exam periodically. Keep in mind that routine eye exams are the best way to protect your vision, since an eye exam can detect unknown problems at their earliest stages when they are easiest to treat.

• Once during your 20's and twice during your 30's. We recommend ages 20, 30 and 35.

  TIP: The most common cause of eye problems among healthy young adults is eye injuries. Most adults have healthy eyes, but you still need to take care of your vision by wearing protective eyewear when working in dangerous areas, playing sports, doing woodwork or yard work, working with chemicals or taking part in other activities that could result in an eye injury.

• Every two to four years between ages 40 and 65.

  TIP: By the mid forties, most of us are having difficulty with near vision and we will need reading glasses. During these middle years you should take preventive measures to prevent injury and detect disease.

• Every one to two years after age 65

  TIP: As a seniors 65 and older, you should have a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years to assess your eye health and diagnose any eye conditions, such as cataracts, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration.

Remember…

All of these intervals are recommended if you have no eye problems, wear no glasses or contacts, have no medical problems such as diabetes or high blood pressure, and have not personal or family history of eye disease. If you have any of these, you will need an exam by an eye specialist at least once a year. Keep your eyes healthy. Get them thoroughly examined at Marianas Eye Institute.