Comprehensive Eye Exams for Different Age Groups

Do you know how often to get your eyes checked? Do you know what a comprehensive eye exam covers? Getting an eye exam is an integral part of staying healthy. But different age groups have different eye care needs. 
 

What Is a Comprehensive Eye Exam?

A comprehensive eye exam is more than reading a chart. It is a thorough exam of your vision and eye health by an eye doctor. Depending on the doctor and the tests, it can take an hour or more. Here are some tests you may get during the exam:
 

  • Patient history: The doctor will ask about your eye or vision problems, your health, your medications, and your family’s eye diseases.
 
  • Visual acuity: The doctor will measure how well you see at different distances. You will read letters on charts close and far. The results are a fraction, like 20/20. This means you see at 20 feet what an average person sees at that distance.
 
  • Preliminary tests: The doctor may check some parts of your vision and eye health, like depth perception, color vision, eye muscle movements, side vision, and pupil reaction to light.
 
  • Keratometry/topography: These tests measure the shape and curve of your cornea. This helps find the right fit for contact lenses and spot conditions like astigmatism.
 
  • Refraction: This test finds the lens power you need to fix your vision if you have refractive errors. The doctor will use a phoropter tool to put lenses before your eyes. You will look through them and say which ones are the clearest.
 
  • Eye health evaluation: The doctor will look inside and outside your eyes with special tools and lights. They will look for signs of eye diseases or conditions. They may also use eye drops to make your pupils bigger and see more of your retina.

When Should You Have an Eye Exam?

Eye exam frequency depends on age, risk factors, and symptoms. Here are some general guidelines for different age groups:
 

Children

Children’s eyes change fast, so they need regular screenings to find problems early. The AAO and the AAPOS say children should get screened at birth, 6-12 months, 3-4 years, before first grade, and every year after. 
 

Pediatricians, family doctors, or eye doctors can do these screenings. If a screening finds a problem or your child has signs or risks for eye problems, they should get a complete eye exam by an eye doctor.
 

Adults

If your eyes and vision are good, the AAO says you should get a comprehensive eye exam by an eye doctor at 40. This is when eye diseases or vision changes may show up. Then, get an eye exam every 2-4 years until 54, every 1-3 years until 64, and every 1-2 years after 65. 
 

But if you have signs or risks for eye problems, like diabetes, high blood pressure, family eye disease, or contact lens use, you should get an eye exam more often. Your eye doctor will say how often to check your eyes based on your needs.
 

Seniors

Your risk for eye diseases goes up as you age. The AAO says seniors should check their eyes every year or two after 65. Your eye doctor will examine you for conditions like macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy. Finding and treating them early can help save your vision.
 

Conclusion

Follow your eye doctor’s schedule for eye exams. Your eyes and vision need care all your life. A comprehensive eye exam can help by finding and treating problems early.
 

For more on comprehensive eye exams, visit Harmony Eyecare & Eyewear Gallery at our Harmony, Pennsylvania office. Call (724) 453-4926 to schedule an appointment today.

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