Whether you have 20/20 vision or require contact lenses and corrective eyewear to see clearly, scheduling annual eye exams are paramount. If it’s been a while since you’ve visited your eye doctor, the below information will help you understand the value of these appointments and why they should be made a priority, along with some suggestions for the best times to go. 

How Often Should You Have an Eye Exam?

A comprehensive eye exam includes multiple tests that not only review your visual acuity, but ultimately your overall eye health. This evaluation, which often includes pupil dilation to properly inspect your iris and cornea, should be conducted every one to five years, depending on your age and susceptibility to eye disease like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts. Children deemed low-risk for eye infections and diseases should see their eye doctor every two years. Individuals in their 20s and 30s should plan a visit every two to five years, based on personal eye health and your optometrist’s recommendations. Adults in their 40s, 50s, and 60s should plan this visit every two to four years. Once you reach your golden years, annual eye exams are recommended as individuals over the age of 65, as you are more likely to experience vision loss during this phase of life.  

What Are the Benefits of Routine Eye Exams?

Eye exams are incredibly important, as they can confirm your visual acuity. These appointments provide optometrists with an opportunity to evaluate your current prescription to determine if any adjustments are needed. Annual exams also allow them to identify eye diseases early, so you can intervene with effective treatments right away before the problem is exacerbated. Eye doctors can even detect early signs of diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancer via routine eye evaluations.

Based in the heart of Fairbanks, AK, West Valley Vision Center is a top-notch optometrist that believes in providing comprehensive service in a modern facility without sacrificing personalized care. If you’re looking for a dedicated eye doctor to provide lifelong care for you and your family, call today at (907) 479-4700 to schedule an appointment. For more information on this practice and their sterling 25-year track record, visit their website.