The WHY and WHEN of EYE EXAMS

July 27, 2023

August is National Eye Exam Month, the perfect time to remember the importance of regular eye exams, even if you haven’t noticed any problems with your vision. Let’s talk about why eye exams are so important, and when you and your family members should have them.

The Why – A No-Brainer
Many people think their eyesight is just fine until they get that first pair of glasses or contact lenses and the world comes into clearer view. Moreover, common eye diseases can go unnoticed for a long time—some have no symptoms at first.

Identifying eye disease early through a comprehensive eye exam is the only way to get a headstart on the correct treatment to prevent vision loss. There’s also an eye/health connection, since your Atlantic Eye doctor may spot other conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes, sometimes before your primary care doctor does.

Okay, but When?

Start Early
Though people tend to have more vision problems as they get older, children need eye exams too. According to the CDC, only 39% of preschool children have had their vision tested, which is needed to diagnose eye diseases. Undiagnosed eye disorders can lead to a child having difficulty with reading and learning at school.

Amblyopia (reduced vision because the eye and brain aren’t working together properly) is the most common cause of vision loss in children—2 to 3 out of 100 children. Amblyopia needs to be treated promptly to help avoid vision loss.

Adult Baseline Screening, Age 40
The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that healthy adults get a complete eye examination at age 40. This is when early signs of disease or changes in vision may appear. It is important to find eye diseases early. Early treatment can help preserve your vision.

But there are some exceptions to the age-40 benchmark. Schedule an exam right away if:

  • you have an infection, injury, or eye pain, or you notice sudden floaters and flashes or patterns of light
  • you wear contact lenses
  • you have diabetes or have a family history of eye disease

Seniors age 65 and older
If you are 65 or older, make sure you have your eyes checked every year or two. Your ophthalmologist will check for signs of age-related eye diseases such as:

  • cataracts
  • diabetic retinopathy
  • age-related macular degeneration
  • glaucoma

Based on the results of your eye exam, your Atlantic Eye ophthalmologist will recommend a schedule for future eye exams. To learn more, go to https://atlanticeye.com/services/eye-exams/

Call us today to schedule your all-important eye exam – your eyes will thank you.