How Often Should My Family Get Eye Exams?

Vision is an amazing thing because your brain is a remarkable adaptor. When your vision gradually alters, your brain instantaneously adapts to compensate for vision loss. However, when vision loss is dramatic or sudden, you can be tricked into thinking your vision is fine when it is not.

At this point, you may require vision correction solutions such as prescription eyeglasses. That is why your family needs a comprehensive eye exam once every two years.

Six Months to 20 Years 

Experts make recommendations for eye exams based on various factors, one of them being age. Unless there are noticeable signs of vision loss in your toddler, eye experts recommend that your child be tested when they are six months old. Also, they should have another eye exam before they join first grade or kindergarten.

The checkup is important because studies show that about 80 percent of what kids learn is taken in visually. For this reason, eye specialists recommend that kids undergo an eye exam every two years unless there are clear signs of vision issues. However, your child will need to see an optometrist every six months if they wear glasses. This is to ascertain if the prescription is still viable.

20 to 39 Years Old

According to experts, it is advisable for adults aged 20 to 39 years to have a comprehensive eye exam at least once every two to three years. Family members in this age bracket are less likely to experience abrupt or fast vision loss. Also, studies show that African-Americans between the ages of 20 to 39 years are more likely to experience vision loss. For this reason, they should undergo eye exams every one to two years.

40 to 64 Years Old

Between these ages, your eyes go through various changes. You are likely to experience fading vision and alterations in your lens’ prescription as your eyes harden due to age.

Also, family members of this age are more susceptible to health issues that contribute to eye conditions. These include high blood pressure, diabetes, and other side effects due to the use of prescription medications. Some of the risk factors affecting people at this age range include:

• History of eye surgery or trauma.
• History of genetic conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts, just to name a few.
• The onset of health issues that affect vision such as heart disease, diabetes, and others.

Get a Comprehensive Eye Exam

Unlike a cursory vision test, a complete eye exam is quite thorough. It takes your eye doctor about one to two hours to complete. It involves more than just standing behind a line and reading different-sized letters (Snell Eye Chart). A comprehensive eye exam involves an account of your medical history, a vision test, a refraction test, and other diagnostics that are necessary.

If you want to know more about how often your family should get eye exams, visit Coers Family Eye Care at our office in Columbus, Indiana. You can also call (812) 408-8400 to book an appointment.