It is affected by your age, as well as your eyes and family history.
If you are under 40 and have no eye problems, your doctor may advise you to have routine eye exams every two years. They could also tell you that no tests are required. Inquire about what they believe is best for you.
If you’re over 40, you should have your eyes checked every 1 to 2 years.
If you’ve had eye problems in the past or are at risk of developing them (for example, if someone in your family has), you should see an eye doctor once a year.
Why? You should check to see if you have any serious, sometimes “silent” vision problems, such as:
- Glaucoma
- Macular degeneration as we age
- Cataracts
- Diabetes-related retinopathy
If your child has no risk factors for eye problems, they should have their vision checked as soon as they are born and again at each regular health visit. By the age of three, it will be easier for the doctor to evaluate their eyes. They should have eye exams every 1 to 2 years after the first grade.
Are my eyes in danger?
If you have a health condition like high blood pressure, work in a job that requires a lot of eye contact, or take drugs that can impair your vision, you may require more frequent exams.
If you have type 1 diabetes, you should have your eyes checked within five years of diagnosis and every year after that.
If you’ve been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, you should get an exam as soon as possible. After that, have your eyes checked once a year.
How to Get Ready
When you call to schedule your eye exam, mention any vision issues you are experiencing.
Make a list of any questions you want to ask the doctor before you go. Prepare to update them on any medications you are taking and your (and your family’s) eye health history.
Bring your glasses and contact lenses, as well as your prescription. Bring sunglasses for the return trip. The doctor may use eye drops to dilate your pupils. This is known as dilation. After that, your eyes will be sensitive to light.
During Your Eye Examination
First, the eye doctor or an office staff member will inquire about your medical and vision history.
The exam could last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the equipment used. It will protect your vision as well as your eye health.
You will almost certainly have all or most of the following eye tests and possibly some others.
5 Methods for Locating an Eye Doctor
- Inquire with family or friends about who they use.
- Request a referral from your primary care physician.
- Inquire about doctors who practise in a nearby hospital’s ophthalmology or optometry departments.
- Inquire with state and county optometrist and ophthalmologist academies, associations, or societies if they can assist you.
- Obtain a list from your health plan or insurance provider.
