Posted by: Eye Health Northwest in Uncategorized on December 3, 2024
If you have never needed glasses or contacts, you may not think about seeing your eye doctor regularly. However, routine eye exams are essential to taking care of your overall health and vision, whether you use visual aids or not.
Especially as you age, conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration could threaten your sight. Early detection by your ophthalmologist is key to preventing vision loss and keeping your eyes as healthy as possible.
But how often should you have an eye exam? Keep reading to learn more about whether you need to have an eye exam every year.
Why are Eye Exams So Important?
Many eye conditions that have the potential to damage your vision do not present with obvious symptoms at first. During an eye exam at EyeHealth Northwest, your eye doctor can identify early signs of conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy.
Early detection of these conditions allows you to begin treatment right away, which can reduce the risk of vision loss in the future. The screening tests performed during a comprehensive eye exam are noninvasive and painless, and may include:
- Eye pressure testing
- Retinal examination to view the back of your eye
- Using a microscope to examine the front of your eye
If you have refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism that are causing blurry, unfocused vision, your eye doctor can also assess your prescription using a device called a phoropter. If you need glasses or contacts, EyeHealth Northwest collaborates with Bridge City Spex to combine optical craft with ophthalmic experience to create fantastic frames and lenses to suit your vision and style.
How Often Do I Need Eye Exams?
If you wear glasses or contacts, you probably see your eye doctor regularly to get your vision checked. This allows your eye doctor to update or renew your prescription so you can be sure your vision is clear.
However, even if you don’t wear glasses, you should still attend eye exams. The American Academy of Ophthalmology has established general guidelines for how often adults should have their eyes examined.
They recommend that adults have at least one comprehensive eye exam in their 20s and two additional exams in their 30s. You should schedule another comprehensive eye exam when you turn 40, as your risk of developing age-related eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration starts to increase.
At age 40, many people also notice vision changes due to presbyopia or age-related farsightedness. Adults 65 or older should see their eye doctor at least once per year, regardless of whether they are experiencing vision changes.
Who Needs More Frequent Eye Exams?
You may need to see an eye doctor several times yearly if you have certain medical or eye conditions. Progressive eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration may require regular monitoring.
If you have diabetes, you may also need to see your eye doctor more frequently so you can be screened for diabetic retinopathy. Increased blood sugar can cause damage to the tiny blood vessels in the retina, which can lead to vision loss.
Your eye doctor at EyeHealth Northwest can give you specific instructions on how often you need to attend eye exams based on any preexisting medical conditions you may have, whether you have a family history of eye conditions and whether you are at risk for certain eye conditions.
Are you ready to make your eye health a priority? Schedule a comprehensive eye exam at EyeHealth Northwest in Portland, OR, today!