Eyesight is a precious gift. As such, many people wonder what the recommendations are for routine eye examinations. EyeCare America, the foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, has published the following guidelines.
Child Eye MD Visits
Your child should have his or her eyes screened during regular pediatric appointments. Vision testing is recommended for all children by 3 years of age. An Ophthalmologist should be consulted sooner if there is a family history of the following:
- Vision problems
- Strabismus — crossed eyes
- Amblyopia — lazy eye
- Ptosis — drooping of the upper eyelid
Between the ages of 3 and 19, vision screenings should continue during regular checkups every 1 to 2 years.
Young Adult Eye MD Visits
The regularity of routine eye exams slows a bit during young adulthood:
- Adults between the ages of 20 and 29 should have a complete medical eye exam at least once during that time period.
- For those between 30 and 39 years of age, two exams during this decade are recommended.
The exceptions to the guidelines for adults from ages 20 to 39 are if the individual experiences visual changes, pain, flashes of light, seeing spots, distorted lines, or dry eyes with itching and burning.
Older Adult Eye MD Visits
In 2007, the American Academy of Ophthalmology issued new eye disease screening recommendations for adults age 40 and older. The Academy now recommends that adults with no signs or risk factors for eye disease get a baseline eye disease screening at age 40 to investigate the possibility of:
- Hypertension
- Diabetes and diabetic retinopathy
- Age-related macular degeneration
- Cataracts
Other eye abnormalities may also be screened at this time. Those people with or without risk factors can discuss how frequently their eyes should be examined in the future.
If you’re located in Central New Jersey and would like to begin routine eye examinations, please contact us for an appointment. Our team at Atlantic Medical Eye Care will help keep your eyes in tip-top shape.
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