A lot of people believe that just because they don’t wear glasses or contacts, they don’t need to get their eyes examined regularly. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Regular comprehensive eye exams are important in more ways than one. Many vision problems such as glaucoma show no symptoms until vision loss begins. In addition to spotting changes in your eye health and vision, they can also reveal early symptoms of serious health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, and tumors.
A comprehensive eye exam can include:
- Visual Acuity Tests
- Cover Eye Test
- Eye Muscle Movement
- Intraocular Pressure
- Pupil Dilation
- Slit Lamp Examinations
So how often should you get your eye examined?
Children
The American Optometric Association (AOA), recommends that infants have their first comprehensive eye exam between 6 to 12 months of age. Children should have an additional eye exam between the ages of 3 and 5; then again just before they start school; those between 6 and 18 years should have an eye exam every 1 to 2 years.
Children with certain risk factors, such as premature birth, a family history of vision problems, eye or head injuries, etc., should have their eyes examined as often as their optometrist or ophthalmologist recommends. Children who frequently rub their eyes, blink excessively, have an inability to maintain eye contact or a fixed gaze, or exhibit poor eye tracking skills should be taken in to have their eyes checked immediately.
Adults
Adults between the ages of 18 – 60 years should get a comprehensive eye exam every two years unless they start to experience problems with their vision.
Adults age 61 or older should get their eyes examined every year. More often if their eye doctors feel it’s necessary.
Adults with certain risk factors need to get eye exams as frequently as their eye doctors recommend. These risk factors include:
- Diabetes
- High Blood Pressure
- Previous Eye Injuries
- Previous Eye Surgery
- A family history of eye disease (glaucoma, macular degeneration, etc.)
- An occupation that may create hazards for the eyes (like a job that involves working out in the sun)
- Eye or vision related side effects from taking prescription or non-prescription drugs
Schedule A Comprehensive Eye Exam Today
When was the last time you had your eyes examined? If it’s been a while, it might be time to schedule a comprehensive eye exam at Berkeley Eye Center. Our highly trained and experienced eye care professionals have been protecting the eyesight of Texans for over 60 years. Our patients trust us to deliver the best eye care possible. In addition to eye exams, we provide a complete range care service, from treating eye disease to prescription frames and contact lenses to the latest in LASIK eye surgery and oculoplastics surgery. There’s no reason to put off that eye exam — with locations all across the Greater Houston are and in surrounding communities, there’s sure to be a Berkeley Eye Center clinic near you.