When Should I Be Getting an Eye Exam?
Prioritize Your Vision: Why Regular Eye Exams Matter
Your eyesight plays a major role in your overall quality of life. Regular eye exams aren’t just about updating your glasses or contact lens prescription-they are essential for maintaining long-term eye health. Many eye conditions develop silently, without noticeable symptoms, making routine check-ups with an optometrist the best way to detect issues early and protect your vision.
How Often Should You Have an Eye Exam?
Eye exam frequency varies depending on age, health, and individual risk factors. Here’s a general guide to help you stay on top of your eyecare needs:
Infants and Children: Early eye exams are vital to detecting vision problems that could affect learning and development. At Tacoma Eye, we see children age 5 and up. Conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye) and refractive errors are easier to treat when caught early. ANNUAL eye exams are carved out in the Affordable Care Act/Obama care. We recommend eye exams yearly from ages 5 to 18.
Healthy Young Adults 18-35: A comprehensive eye exam every two years is generally recommended. This ensures that changes in vision are addressed promptly, whether it’s updating your prescription for glasses or contact lenses or screening for potential eye conditions.
35-60: Presbyopia traditionally begins to impact patients between ages 35 and 45. We’d want to see you annually to ensure your prescription keeps pace with any changes you may be experiencing.
Seniors (60 and older): Aging increases the risk of eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Annual eye exams become crucial for early detection and management.
Risk Factors That Require More Frequent Eye Exams
Some individuals should see their optometrist more often based on the following risk factors:
- Family History: If you have a family history of glaucoma, macular degeneration, or other eye diseases, regular screenings are important.
- Medical Conditions: People with diabetes, high blood pressure, or other systemic conditions should schedule more frequent exams as these can impact eye health.
- Medications: Certain medications can cause dry eyes, blurred vision, or other ocular side effects that need monitoring (plaquenil).
- Lifestyle Factors: Smoking and excessive UV exposure significantly increase the risk of vision problems. Wearing UV-blocking sunglasses and avoiding tobacco will help.
Signs You Should See an Eye Doctor Immediately
Even if you follow the recommended exam schedule, certain symptoms warrant an immediate visit to your eye doctor:
- Sudden blurry vision or difficulty focusing
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Frequent headaches, which may be linked to vision problems
- Loss of night vision or trouble driving at night
- A sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light, or loss of peripheral vision-these could indicate a serious condition like retinal detachment
Your Trusted Optometrist in Tacoma
It’s easy to let time slip by without scheduling an eye exam, but prioritizing regular check-ups is one of the best things you can do for your long-term vision. If it’s been a while since your last visit, now is the perfect time to schedule an appointment with Dr. Meers at Tacoma Eye. Whether you need an updated contact lens prescription, treatment for dry eye, or a comprehensive vision check-up, we’re here to help.
Book your appointment today and keep your vision clear and healthy for years to come!
The content on this blog is reviewed by Physicians and Optometrists but it does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with any questions regarding your eye health.