This post was most recently updated on August 7th, 2019
Eye Exam Guidelines
The American Academy of Ophthalmology separates recommendations for eye exams by levels of risk. Generally speaking, older patients are more at risk for eye diseases that can affect their vision. Also, patients who are younger but have genetic eye diseases in their family should have more frequent eye exams than other patients of their age. Here are our recommendations based on demographics.
Eye Exams for those 60 and Older
At our office we recommend more frequent eye exams for patients that are 60 years of age and older. This demographic is more at risk for numerous eye conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration. A comprehensive eye exam should be performed every year, and more frequently if previous eye exams and family history indicate they are at a greater risk for developing an eye disease.
Eye Exams for those 40 to 60
At this point in life there are a number of factors that can affect a patient’s visual quality of life. Around 40 years of age, patients begin experiencing difficulty with seeing small print. This symptom is very common and there are a number of options available for visual correction. We will help make you aware of the options available and will serve as consultants to help you understand how your quality of life can be improved with the appropriate method of correction. We recommend an eye exam every 1-2 years to evaluate near vision requirements and to perform an ocular health assessment.
Dry eye is also a very common symptom found in this demographic. Many patients go through life thinking there is nothing that can be done to improve this condition. On the contrary, there are a number of treatment options available which are discussed in detail in our other blogs: Read more about dry eye diagnosis and treatments here.
Eye Exams for 20 to 40
In this demographic we are beginning to encounter more visual complaints as patients become more dependent on social media. Red eyes, blurred vision and overall ocular discomfort are symptoms seen with patients suffering from technology overuse, or computer vision syndrome. There are many options available for individuals suffering from these symptoms, ranging from dry eye therapies to specialty glasses lenses, to help ease the strain of long term computer and tablet use. A detailed eye exam is an integral component of evaluating vision symptoms and determining the appropriate course of action to improve your quality of life. We recommend seeing our doctors every 1-2 years for an eye exam.
Eye Exams for those 10 to 20
There are common eye conditions that affect this demographic that are sometimes missed earlier in life. Specific sensory motor deficiencies can become evident in this age range as young adults spend more time doing intensive reading and school work. Prescription changes are still common and it is important to make sure that an updated glasses or contact lens prescription is available for your student to perform optimally. For these reasons we recommend an eye exam every 1-2 years to ensure your child the greatest chance of success in school and life.
Eye Exams for Children
Follow the link above for a more detailed discussion on eye exams for children and the potential risks associated with not having your child’s eyes examined at a young age.
Patients Who Wear Contact Lenses
Patients who wear contact lenses should have their eyes examined every year. The primary reason for this is to make sure there is not any underlying ocular health damage secondary to the contact lens wear. Follow this link to learn more about common complications of contact Lens wear.
Other Reasons for an Eye Exam
There are number of medical reasons in which you should see your eye doctor in addition to your comprehensive eye exam. Please consider the following a non all-inclusive list: