How to Know When It’s Time to See an Ophthalmologist
Comprehensive eye exams are vital to the early detection and successful treatment of many eye conditions and diseases. As a result, scheduling them on a regular basis is an important part of good eye health.
Patients often ask our ophthalmologist, Dr. Andrea Gray, how often they should schedule comprehensive eye exams.
When to Schedule an Eye Exam
The American Optometric Association provides guidelines regarding when and how often healthy individuals should have a comprehensive eye exam based on age.
If other risk factors (symptoms of ocular disease, diabetes, AIDS, high blood pressure, family history of eye disease, belonging to certain ethnic groups, or other risk factors) are present, then exams should be scheduled according to your doctor’s recommendation.
- Infants should have an exam between six and twelve months.
- Toddlers should have an exam between three and fives years.
- Children should have an exam before first grade and then annually until adulthood.
- Adults should have an exam every two years.
- Adults over 65 should have an annual eye exam.
You should schedule an appointment right away, if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- vision changes (sudden, temporary, or lasting)
- double vision
- floaters
- flashing
- halos
- eye injury or pain
- redness
- bulging
- misaligned eyes
- loss of peripheral vision
- excessive tearing
- eyelid abnormalities
Eyesight is precious. If you experience any change in your vision, visual disturbances, or other unusual symptoms, schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist as soon as possible.
