“When Should I have an Eye Exam?”
1. When should you have your first eye exam?
- A. 6 months old
- B. 5 years old
- C. 16 years old
- D. 40 years old
The answer is A. According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), children generally should have their first eye exam at six months of age, another exam at age three and again at the start of school.
Children with risk factors for vision problems may need their first eye exam earlier than six months of age and may need more frequent eye exams throughout childhood. Examples of risk factors include:
- History of premature birth or low birth weight
- Developmental delays
- Turned or crossed eyes
- Family history of eye disease
- Other physical illness or disease
*Summit Eye Associates participates in the InfantSee Program, which offers FREE eye exams to all children between the ages of 6 to 12 months.
2. True or False: A vision screening at school or the pediatrician’s office counts as an eye exam.
False – A vision screening can indicate that you need to get your eyes checked, but it does not serve as a substitute for a comprehensive eye exam.
Vision screenings are limited eye tests that help identify people who are at risk for vision problems. These are the brief vision tests performed by the school nurse, a pediatrician, other health care providers or volunteers. The eye test that you take when you get your driver’s license renewed is an example of a vision screening.
A comprehensive eye examination is performed by an eye doctor and includes careful testing of all aspects of your vision and eye health. Based on the results of your exam, your eye doctor will then recommend a treatment plan for your individual needs.
Vision is closely linked to the learning process. Children who have trouble seeing or interpreting what they see will often have trouble with their schoolwork. Many times, children will not complain of vision problems simply because they don’t know what “normal” vision looks like.
If your child performs poorly at school or exhibits a reading or learning disability, be sure to have his eyes examined by an eye doctor to rule out an underlying visual cause.
How often should you have an eye exam at Summit Eye Associates?
- A. When my vision is blurry
- B. When my glasses are broken
- C. Every year
- D. Every 3 years
The answer is C. To maintain a lifetime of healthy vision, it is recommended by Summit Eye you have a comprehensive eye exam every year.
The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends a comprehensive eye exam every two years for adults ages 5 to 60, and annual exams for seniors age 61 and older.
Routine eye exams are important regardless of your age or your physical health. During a comprehensive eye exam, your eye doctor does much more than just determine your prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses. The doctor will also check your eyes for common eye diseases, assess how your eyes work together as a team and evaluate your eyes as an indicator of your overall health.
“At risk” adults may have more frequent exams. Risk factors for adults include:
- A family history of eye disease (glaucoma, macular degeneration, etc.)
- Diabetes or high blood pressure
- A visually demanding occupation or one that may pose hazards to the eyes
- Taking prescription or non-prescription drugs that may have visual or eye-related side effects
- Previous eye injuries or eye surgery
Adults who wear contact lenses should also have annual eye exams, according to the American Optometric Association.
If you have any doubt how often you (or your children or parents) should have your eyes examined, ask your optometrist for guidance.
