Eye exams are essential for enjoying healthy vision for life. As you grow older, the frequency of exams will change, as certain medical conditions and eye issues become more prevalent. Here’s what you should know to determine how often you should be visiting the eye doctor.

Kids

To ensure your child’s vision is developing normally, the first eye exam should take place at six months. From here, kids should have their vision checked out again at age three and before they start school. Many kids enter school with existing vision issues, which can greatly impact their learning; for example, they could need corrective eyewear because of myopia or hyperopia—also known as nearsightedness and farsightedness. If vision testing shows no abnormalities or other issues, a child should have an exam once every two years or so until the age of 18.

Adults

By the age of 18, most people receive an exam once every two years. By the age of 65, however, more frequent exams are usually recommended since people are more likely to develop cataracts, glaucoma, or retinal disorders. You should also schedule an exam immediately if you’re experiencing issues like blurriness, pain, or double vision.

Special Considerations

For children who are born with a low birth weight or have a history of eye diseases in their family, the first exam should occur before six months, with subsequent exams occurring more frequently. Additionally, if a child is prescribed eyeglasses, exams should take place once a year to ensure the prescription is still up to date.

When it comes to adults, people who are considered to be at risk should also schedule exams on a more frequent basis. If you have high blood pressure or a history of glaucoma or macular degeneration in the family or wear glasses or contact lenses, you should have an annual exam. Your eye doctor can assess your risk to establish the best schedule for you.

If it has been a while since your last eye exam, Daniel J. Kroger OD is here to help. His clinic offers more than two decades of experience, which allows him to assess your current state of eye health, as well as identify any possible diseases or abnormalities. He provides West Chester, OH, patients with a wide range of services, including preventive vision care, treatment of digital eye strain, dry eye solutions, and remedies for common refraction errors. Visit him online to learn more about his eyewear inventory, or call (513) 777-3936 to schedule your next exam.