The Importance of Exams by Age

When and how often should you get an eye exam?

Your vision is important at any age. Having routine eye exams is a good way to maintain a heathy lifestyle. Annual routine vision tests help track overall eye health and can help diagnose eyesight problems well before symptoms develop.

Here are a few reasons why eye exams are important throughout your life.

Eye exams for infants and children.

Infant eye exams are essential, as vision starts developing in the infancy stage and constantly changes. During the first few months, babies can see close up objects and colors such as black, white, and red. Around six months of age, an infant's vision starts to advance. It is important to have the infant's first eye exam by a healthcare provider at this time to make sure their eyes are developing normally.

Pre-kindergarten eye exams are important, and a great way to help set a child up for academic success, ensuring that vision is corrected when necessary.

Be aware of the early signs of vision problems in infants and children. Don't wait until your child begins showing signs of visual problems, such as squinting to screen for problems. Make a routine eye exam a priority, as it is as important as a yearly visit to the pediatrician.

Teens and young adults.

Teens and young adults usually experience little visual changes. However, by this age, school and work may involve staring at a computer screen for much of the day. Because of this, in today's technology-driven world, eyestrain and Computer Vision Syndrome are becoming a common problem for this age group. It is a good idea to get eyes checked regularly during this age as a preventative measure.

If you have a family history of eye or eyesight problems, now is a good time to pay attention to how your vision changes. Regular eye exams allow you and your doctor to track changes and prevent poor vision.

Adults.

By this age, school and work may involve staring at a computer screen for much of the day. As you age, it may become more difficult to to focus your eyes, read small print or do close up work.

At first, you might find relief by adjusting distance between your eyes and what you are reading. However, this relief is temporary and finding a long term solution will be more beneficial. Reading glasses or contact lenses can help you see better, both at work and at home.

Seniors.

The older you get, the more prone you are to eye disorders. Ensuring good eye health allows you to keep living an independent and active life. Your doctor will look for conditions like glaucoma and cataracts. Eye exams can also reveal symptoms of other health problems, such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

An annual, routine eye exam is a simple, stress-free way to keep track of your eyes and health.