Don’t Forget About Your Annual Eye Exam! But how often should you have a comprehensive eye exam? The American Optometric Association recommends the frequency of eye examination for both adults and pediatric patients.
How Often Should Your Child Have An Eye Exam?
Birth to 24 months: At 6 months of age for those not at risk and by 6 months of age or as recommended for those at risk.
2 to 5 Years: At 3 years of age for those not at risk and at 3 years age or as recommended for those at risk.
6 to 18 Years: Before first grade and every two years thereafter for those not at risk and annually or as recommended for those at risk.
“Children considered to be at risk for the development of eye and vision problems may need additional testing or more frequent re-evaluation.”
Those at risk include premature or low birth rate, family history of vision problems, central nervous system dysfunction, high refractive error, anisometropia, and strabismus.
How Often Should Adults Have An Eye Exam?
18 to 60 years: Every tow years for those who are risk free and every one to two years or as recommended for those at risk.
61 and older: Annually for those who are not at risk and annually or as recommended for those at risk.
Patients at risk include those:
• with diabetes, hypertension, or a family history of ocular disease (e.g., glaucoma, macular degeneration)
• working in occupations that are highly demanding visually or eye hazardous
• taking prescription or nonprescription drugs with ocular side effects
• wearing contact lenses
• who have had eye surgery
• with other health concerns or conditions.
The fact is, we use our eyes for just about everything, they are irreplaceable! But yet we often take them for granted. Start the new year off right with a comprehensive eye exam.
Don’t neglect your eyes, Lake Nona Eye Care is just the place for all your eye care needs. Contact us at our Moss Park or Eagle Creek offices.