Courtesy of Legarreta Eye Care
July is Healthy Vision Month, and routine eye exams are an important component of preventive health care. While examinations can detect abnormalities with vision, the eyes also may be windows into other health issues.
Eye care professionals instruct their patients to come in for examinations at different intervals depending on individual need. Those with preexisting conditions may require more frequent examinations. “Age can affect the frequency with which patients see their opticians, optometrists, and ophthalmologists, which is why the American Optometric Association has produced an age-based eye exam schedule,” says Dr. John Legarreta of Legarreta Eye Care.
Birth through age 2
Very young patients should have their first eye exams between ages six to 12 months if asymptomatic or low-risk. If at-risk, the exam is as recommended by a doctor.
Ages 3 through 5 years
The next time a child should need an eye exam is around preschool or school age if low-risk. Frequency will increase if the child has special vision needs.
Ages 6 through 17
The next vision exam should come before first grade, and then annually thereafter, unless an eye doctor recommends more frequent exams.
Ages 18 through 39
Individuals who are asymptomatic or low-risk can do with eye exams at least every two years. Those at risk should increase the interval to annually or more as recommended.
Ages 40 to 64
Individuals between the ages of 40 and 64 can stick to getting exams every two years if their vision is unaffected.
Age 65 and older
Vision can deteriorate as individuals age, so older adults may need to visit the eye doctor more frequently. An annual exam is generally the best advice for people 65 and older.
Patients at risk include those who have personal or family histories of ocular disease or have systemic health conditions with potential ocular manifestations. Individuals who have had eye surgery or previous eye injury, or are in occupations that are hazardous to the eyes, also may need more frequent visits. People who wear glasses or contacts may need to get eye exams more often since eye prescriptions usually need to be renewed yearly, according to Dr. Legarreta.
If it’s been a while since you have had an eye exam, now might be the right time to schedule one.
Dr. John Legarreta is a board-certified ophthalmologist who provides comprehensive medical and surgical eyecare, and is a partner at Legarreta Eye Care. To learn more, and make an appointment online, visit https://legarretaeye.com or call 716-633-2203, where you can also make a same day appointment for an urgent eye condition.
