Even if you don’t need new contact lenses or if your eyes seem fine, you should still make it a point to regularly visit an eye doctor. But how often is “regularly”?
Regular Eye Exams
Taking the preventative approach to your health can help you anticipate potential health issues and may even help you save on medical costs. Eye health deserves attention like the rest of your body, which means they need to be regularly checked by your eye doctor.
You probably noticed that we haven’t mentioned a specific frequency for eye exams. This is because “regular,” in terms of eye care appointments, depend on the patient’s age and risk factors. Ideally, parents should bring their children for their first eye exam at the age of six months, then at three years and then once more before they enter first grade. After that, one should pay their local eye care center a visit every two years until the age of 60, where one should make their visits annually.
Risk Factors
There are certain factors that may necessitate more frequent visits. One such factor is having a family history of glaucoma or macular degeneration, diabetes and/or hypertension. You should let your eye doctor know if you take medication that counts dry eyes as a side effect. Patients who smoke are also at-risk. Your eye doctor may recommend annual visits even if you haven’t reached the age of 60.
When Do You Need to See an Eye Doctor Immediately?
If you notice changes to your vision between appointments, don’t wait, and schedule an appointment with your eye doctor as soon as you can. These symptoms include noticeable blurring or distortion in your vision, frequent headaches and newfound sensitivity to light. Try to get someone to drive you to the eye care center if possible.
Guilford Eye Center is your leading provider of eye care services. Give us a call at (336) 292-4516. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve clients in High Point, NC, and surrounding communities.
