Although strong vision is essential for overall health, statistics show that many people, young and old, do not get their eyes checked regularly. At Austin Eye, a LASIK and cataract surgery practice in Austin, we are committed to helping our patients stay on top of their eye health by offering comprehensive eye care, including regular eye exams. Here, we explain how often you should get your eyes checked.
Understanding Eye Exams
But first, let’s review what an eye exam is. Not to be confused with vision screenings, eye exams evaluate eye health and test visual acuity at length, using special techniques and equipment. Vision screenings, often performed at schools and health fairs, are much more limited in scope. While vision screenings can detect some vision problems, others can go unnoticed. Furthermore, vision screenings can be performed by nurses or even volunteers with no medical background, while eye exams can only be conducted by a board-certified ophthalmologist.
Schedule an Eye Exam Based on Your Age and Needs
As a general rule, individuals with good eye health (and overall health) should have their eyes checked at the following ages:
- At 6 months of age for infants
- At age 3 and then again 5 or 6 for young children
- Every two years for grade-school children and teenagers
- Every two years for adults ages 18 to 60
- Every year for adults ages 61 and older
How often you should schedule an eye exam will depend on a variety of factors. For instance, if you wear prescription eyewear, you will need to undergo a regular eye exam once a year. In addition, individuals with certain eye conditions or health conditions (e.g., diabetes), or a family history of eye diseases, will need to undergo eye exams more frequently than those with good eye and overall health. Your eye doctor will determine how often you should get an eye exam upon evaluating your eye health and complete medical history.
Stay on Top of Your Eye Health with Austin Eye
To schedule an eye exam for you or a member of your family, please contact Austin Eye. Call our North Office at (512) 250-2020 or our Central office at (512) 454-2020.
