When it comes to routine health care, eye exams often get the short end of the stick compared to annual doctor’s visits and semi-annual dental cleanings. But leaving vision checkups on the back burner can cause you to miss out on changes in your sight. So how often should you have your eye checked? The answer can vary depending on your situation, says Comprehensive Eye Care in Washington, MO. To help, these vision specialists and ocular health advocates offer a few standard guidelines on exams.

When to Seek an Eye Exam

1. If You’re a Child

Young eyes change and develop rapidly, so it’s recommended children check in with a vision specialist at specific points to make sure their sight is on track. According to the American Optometric Association, the first exam should happen at six months, followed by another at age three. Children should have their next checkup before entering school and every two years after until they reach adulthood. If a patient has specific issues or risks, they may need to make appointments more frequently.

2. If You’re an Adult

In general, most adults only need to have eye exams every one to two years. Even if your vision seems to be fine, gradual changes are not always easily detectable. These appointments will provide proactive insight.

Adults 61 or older should increase their frequency of visits to every year, as this is the time in life when your vision can succumb to problems such as age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.  

3. If You’re at an Increased Risk for Vision Problems  

Some patients may need to check with their primary care providers to find out if they need to follow a more intensive exam schedule. For example, people with diabetes should visit an eye doctor every year to monitor their increased risk of glaucoma and macular degeneration. Others may find taking certain medications, past eye injuries, and high blood pressure require more frequent checkups.

4. If You Notice Changes

Vision problems don’t always develop at the same rate as recommended exam schedules. As such, it’s important for individuals to stay aware of physical changes in their eyes and issues with their sight. If these problems pop up, getting an exam is recommended.

If it’s time to for a vision checkup—or you can’t recall when your last visit was—the specialists at Comprehensive Eye Care provide complete, convenient, and quick evaluations. If your eye exam shows changes that need attention, this Washington, MO, vision care center offers the specialized care you need, including contact lenses, glasses, treatment for ocular diseases, and surgery. Learn more about these care options online, or call (636) 390-3999 to schedule an appointment.