No matter how good your vision is, it's still important to have regular eye exams. Your eyes are an essential aspect of your health that you shouldn't take for granted. Sometimes, your vision decreases so slowly that you don't realize it's happening. Your eyes also say a lot about your general health and help catch conditions before symptoms develop.
However, not everybody has to see the eye doctor at the same frequency, with younger people with good vision visiting less frequently than those of retirement age. Below, we'll go over how often you should get an eye exam, what conditions the eyes can tell you about, and tips to take care of your eyes.
Frequency of Exams for Adults Without Glasses or Contacts
For those who are young and don't have any vision problems or medical conditions such as diabetes, the recommended frequency to visit an eye doctor is every one to two years. In order to maintain a regular schedule, an annual eye exam is recommended - just as you would get a yearly physical with your primary care doctor.
This frequency is different from those who wear glasses or contacts as it's recommended they have their eyes tested once a year. Adults who have undergone SMILE, LASIK, or PRK still need an eye exam every one to two years.
Frequency of Exams for Children
Not being able to correctly see dramatically impacts a child's learning ability. A child should have their eyes examined at six months, three years, and before they start school. After that, it's recommended that they have their eyes examined each year.
What Does an Eye Exam Check?
There are a few tests you undergo during an eye exam. These tests include a visual acuity test, retinoscopy, refraction test, keratometry test, peripheral visual field test, and intraocular pressure measurement. The eye doctor will also check the health of your eyes and will examine your pupils, irises, eyelids, corneas, conjunctiva, sclera, and retina. Your eyes also provide an early indication for diabetes, lupus, high blood pressure, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.
Tips for Taking Care of Your Vision
Avoid smoking: When you smoke, you increase your risk of developing age-related eye diseases.
Protective eyewear to prevent injuries
Proper contact lens hygiene
Regular exercise
Wear sunglasses: Newport Beach, CA, has an average of 277 sunny days each year
Taking care of your health means good preventive care, including keeping up with your regular eye exams. Our goal at Scope Optometry is to become your trusted partner in addressing your eye health and vision needs. We also carry a selection of stylish, high-quality frames and sunglasses.
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