Your sight is arguably your most valuable sense, and regular eye exams are essential for safeguarding it. According to the World Health Organization, four out of five cases of blindness or visual impairment worldwide are preventable. There’s no need for you to join these statistics. A dilated eye exam is fast and painless and allows an eye doctor to detect potential problems. But how often should you see your vision care specialist? Read on to find out.

People aged 20 to 39 who are African American should get a complete eye exam every two to four years. Caucasians, however, only require an exam every three to five years. This is because studies have shown African Americans to be at higher risk for many eye diseases.

From the ages of 40 to 64, both Caucasians and African Americans should see their eye doctor every two to four years. After the age of 65, you should go in every year or two. At this point, you are at higher risk for age-related vision changes as well as issues like cataracts.

Note that these are general guidelines and don't apply to everybody. Each person is unique, and those who are at a higher risk for eye problems—such as diabetics or individuals with a family history of glaucoma—will require more frequent exams. Talk to your eye doctor to find out how often you should get checked.

Are you looking for an eye doctor in Anchorage, AK? Put your trust in Northern Lights Eye Care. These professionals offer comprehensive eye exams for all ages. With more than 14 years of experience, they’ve established themselves as the go-to eye doctors for the area’s families. You can find out more about their services online. To schedule an appointment, call them directly at (907) 276-3937.