How Often Should You Have An Eye Exam?

November 30th, 2009 Posted in Eye & Vision

Everyone needs to have their eyes examined on a regular basis. This is especially important when it comes to children. A child’s eyes should be examined from the age of six months, then again at the ages of 3 and 6; thereafter every two years, especially during their high school years. If your child is showing signs of eye problems, no matter how minor, you need to take him or her for an eye exam as soon as possible.

Premature babies frequently get vision problems as they grow, so their eyes need to be checked more than a child with normal vision. Children with a family history of eye disorders are also at risk of hereditary vision problems, and they too need to have more frequent eye exams.

Adults who do not have any problems with their eyes should have an eye examination every three years. This is generally sufficient unless any problem occurs before the next eye exam. Adults already wearing contact lenses or glasses must have an eye exam once a year.

Adults who are diabetic or suffer with high blood pressure must ensure that their eyes are checked every year. For people over the age of 40 it is recommended that an eye exam is done every two years. Elderly people who are more than 60 years old should definitely have an eye exam every year as they may be prone to macular degeneration, cataracts or presbyopia.

You can have your eye exam done by an optician, an ophthalmologist or an optometrist. If you suffer with some type of vision disorder, it is suggested that you see an ophthalmologist as they are qualified to perform surgical procedures. Optometrists are qualified to perform minor surgeries and prescribe medication. Opticians may only do eye examinations and repair contact lenses or glasses.

When you go for an eye exam, the person doing it will want to find out details of any eye problems in your family. He or she will then test your distant and close-up vision, your eye co-ordination and also have a good look at your eyes, externally and internally. If you wear glasses, he or she will also check the prescription of the lenses. You should be able to submit a claim on your medical insurance to cover the cost of your eye exam.

We all try to take care of our bodies, but we often tend to neglect our eyes. The eyes need to be cared for just as much as other organs. Apart from having regular eye exams, we can keep our eyes healthy by eating lots of veggies and fruit and taking mineral and vitamin supplements. A lack of Vitamin A can affect the eyes badly.

It’s been proved that smokers are at risk of severe vision problems. Heavy smokers are even more at risk of total blindness or macular degeneration (this is a blind spot in the eye). To keep your eyes healthy you should seriously consider giving up your cigarettes.

Not all vision problems are due to health aspects. Many are caused accidentally. However, many eye accidents can be prevented. For instance if you are a welder and you don’t wear eye protection, one tiny spark could fly up into your eye and cause a terrible burn. Therefore always ensure that you wear protective eyewear if you work with dangerous tools or chemicals.

Do you need anEye Exam Opti=Mart has eye doctors on hand to help you. Visit OptiMart.com for more information on Eye Exams.

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