FAMILY & CHILDREN'S EYE CARE
How Often Should You Go to the Eye Doctor?
Everyone needs eye exams! Children need more frequent eye exams - read more about your visit here.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology suggests:
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Young adults should get their eyes checked once in their 20s and twice in their 30s.
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Adults should get their eyes checked at age 40 with regular follow-ups, depending on their health.
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Adults age 65 and older should see an eye doctor every 1-2 years.
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Children need their vision checked at birth, 6 months, 3 years, and before entering grade school. This is often incorporated into pediatrician and pre-school checkups.
You will need more frequent check-ups if you have risk factors or health conditions such as diabetes, or a family history of vision problems such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and corneal diseases. If you have any sudden symptoms—such as sudden vision change, eye pain, or severe irritation—see an eye doctor right away.
What Does An Eye Exam Detect?
Your doctor may recommend more frequent exams if you have a health condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure, work in a visually demanding job, or take medications that can affect eyesight.
Regular eye exams are critical for detecting:
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Glaucoma
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Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
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Cataracts
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Diabetic retinopathy
Preparing for Your Eye Exam
When you call to make an appointment for an eye exam, make sure you are ready to describe any vision problem you're having and prepare a list questions for the eye doctor. When you go, take your glasses and/or contact lenses, if you use them, and sunglasses for the trip home with your pupils dilated.
Your eye exam may take from half an hour to an hour. It will evaluate both your vision and the health of your eyes. For children, eye exams are more thorough and can take from 90 minutes to 2 hours to fully evaluate. Read more about children's eye care and what to expect at your visit.