Why Are Eye Exams Important?
For many patients, eye diseases and eye conditions can develop without any warning signs. Because of this, these conditions can go unnoticed and untreated, which could lead to permanent vision loss. The only way to protect yourself and detect eye disease development is by attending regular eye exams.
The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends that adults between the ages of 18 and 64 have an eye exam every 2 years for routine eye exams. If you wear contact lenses, have diabetes, dry eye or other conditions, annual visits are recommended.
Once you turn 65, AOA recommends annual eye exams. Particular eye issues like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration have a higher risk of developing around this age. You will want to do your part to protect your vision.
You’re considered to be at-risk if:
- You or your family have a history of eye conditions.
- You have medical issues that can develop into eye conditions.
- You take medications with ocular side effects.
- You wear contact lenses.
- You have had eye surgery.
- You have had an eye injury.
- You have a high refractive error.
