Has it been a while since your last eye exam? Many people forget to schedule regular eye exams, but these visits are the best way to catch serious eye conditions early and treat them effectively.
How often you need an eye exam depends on factors like your age, health, and risk for common eye conditions. Keep reading to learn more about who should attend annual eye exams with an ophthalmologist.
How Often Should You See Your Ophthalmologist?
If you wear glasses or contacts, you likely already visit your optometrist once a year to get your prescription updated. During these appointments, they may also screen for certain eye conditions like cataracts and glaucoma.
However, the best way to prevent vision loss from these conditions is to attend comprehensive eye exams with an ophthalmologist. They are eye doctors with extensive experience and specialized training in detecting, diagnosing, and treating eye conditions.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology has created specific guidelines for how often you should see your ophthalmologist for comprehensive eye exams based on your age and risk factors for eye conditions. You should see your ophthalmologist at South Texas Eye Institute once in your 20s and twice in your 30s.
However, you may need to schedule more frequent exams if you have certain risk factors for common eye conditions, such as:
- Family history of eye conditions
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
Once you turn 40, you should visit your eye doctor more regularly, even if you’re not at high risk. This is because age-related vision changes can often start developing at this time, and early detection can help protect your vision and eye health.
After 65, you should schedule eye exams every year or two to screen for and monitor any age-related conditions. Always consult your ophthalmologist about how often you should be checked based on your specific risk factors, age, and medical history.
No matter your age or risk level, visit an ophthalmologist if you notice floaters, flashes of light, or eye discomfort. These could be signs of an eye condition or a medical condition that requires prompt treatment.
How Can Eye Exams Save Your Vision?
Regular eye exams can catch serious eye conditions early, which is crucial for preserving your vision. Conditions like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy can cause irreversible vision loss if left untreated.
These conditions often don’t show symptoms in their early stages. The first noticeable sign is usually vision loss, which cannot be reversed.
However, early diagnosis means early intervention, which can slow progression and prevent further damage. During a comprehensive eye exam, your ophthalmologist can detect signs of these conditions even before you notice any changes in your vision.
What Do Ophthalmologists Test at Comprehensive Eye Exams?
During a comprehensive eye exam, your ophthalmologist will conduct several tests. These tests often begin by measuring your visual acuity to assess how well you see at various distances.
If you wear glasses or contacts or your ophthalmologist thinks you may need them, they’ll use a refraction test to determine your prescription. A comprehensive eye exam also includes screenings for serious eye conditions.
Your ophthalmologist will likely perform a slit-lamp exam, which uses a special microscope to examine the front part of your eye after dilating your pupils. In some cases, advanced imaging systems are used to take detailed pictures of the inside of your eye.
This helps your doctor check for any issues with your retina, optic nerve, and other internal structures that could be affected by eye conditions like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration.
Another important test during a comprehensive eye exam is tonometry, which measures the pressure inside your eye. Elevated eye pressure can be a sign of glaucoma, a condition that damages the optic nerve.
If your eye pressure is high, your ophthalmologist will closely examine your optic nerve to check for signs of damage. Other tests, such as peripheral vision testing, may also be used to assess your vision.
How Do You Prepare for Your Eye Exam?
On the day of your exam, avoid wearing any eye makeup. Be prepared to complete paperwork regarding your medical history and family history, as well as signing forms about the practice’s billing and privacy policies.
Don’t forget to bring your insurance card for billing purposes. If you’re considering LASIK or another vision correction procedure, this is a great time to discuss it with your ophthalmologist.
They can go over candidacy requirements for vision correction procedures and answer any questions you may have about the preparation, process, and visual outcomes. Regular eye exams are an easy and effective way to maintain your eye health.
By scheduling these exams, you can catch potential problems early, saving your vision in the long run.
Are you ready to take charge of your vision and eye health? Schedule an appointment today at the South Texas Eye Institute in San Antonio, TX!
