When Should You Have an Eye Exam?

You know that having an eye exam is important to maintaining healthy vision – but exactly how often should you schedule that eye exam? Should you go for every year, or is it best to go every other year? And does age factor into how often you should schedule an eye exam?

An eye exam is a critical part of preventative care; without regular eye exams, you might end up developing ocular conditions that could impact your vision and health. An eye exam allows an ophthalmologist to examine your eyes, treat symptoms, and identify any potential problems that might be developing.

So exactly how many eye exams should you schedule? As it turns out, the ideal eye exam schedule largely depends on your age, as well as your medical history. Here’s a quick overview for how often you should schedule an eye exam:

• Infants and toddlers under the age of 2 should have eye exams during their regular pediatric appointments.
• It’s generally recommended that children and teenagers get an eye exam every year until they turn 21. Vision goes through a lot of changes during these formative years, which can lead to academic problems. Scheduling regular eye exams can help catch vision changes early.
• After the age of 21, most people can get an eye exam every two to three years. If, however, you have vision problems, you may need to still go for an annual eye exam.
• Once you reach the age of 65, it’s recommended that you get an eye exam every year, as this is the age when people start developing cataracts and other age-related diseases.

 

If you still have questions about the ideal age to schedule an eye exam, your ophthalmologist can help you come up with the best timeline based on your individual needs. Schedule a consultation with ophthalmologist Dr. Jacqueline Griffiths at NewView Eye Center in Reston, VA today. 703-834-9777

NewView Eye serves Reston, Virginia and the greater Washington, DC metro area.