While most people know to visit the dentist twice a year and the family doctor on an annual basis, many do not think to schedule an eye exam. In fact, most people only consider visiting an eye doctor if and when their vision begins to deteriorate. That said, eye exams are an essential aspect of a person's overall health. These assessments help to detect vision problems in the early stages, when most treatable. Regular exams can also help to correct or adapt to vision changes so the patient can continue to live a comfortable and fulfilling life.
How often a person should undergo an eye exam is dependent upon a number of factors. Age, overall health and risk factors all play a role in the development of vision problems. Generally speaking, there are certain guidelines which all individuals should follow.
Pediatricians try to perform eye assessments on patients when they are still fairly young. Many children undergo the first eye test as young as one year old. Pediatricians perform these tests to check for common eye conditions that typically develop early in life such as crossed eyes, lazy eyes and misaligned eyes. If the test results reveal an issue or if the pediatrician notices symptoms suggestive of an eye condition, the doctor may recommend that the child undergo more comprehensive testing.
As children age, it becomes easier to discern whether a vision problem exists. For instance, a young child may perform poorly in school despite demonstrating a strong capacity to retain information. A teen might complain of regular headaches. If a child or teen exhibits any symptoms of vision problems, an eye exam may be in order. This is also true if there exists a family history of certain eye conditions such as farsightedness, nearsightedness or vision loss.
If a child or teen has diabetes, regular eye exams are also recommended. Diabetes is one of the most common causes of vision loss.
How often adults should undergo eye exams varies. Adults who have no history of vision problems and are fairly healthy should follow this schedule for exams:
That said, if an adult of any age wears glasses or contact lenses, eye doctors recommend more regular eye exams. "Regular" means exams every one to two years. If there is a family history of vision loss or eye disease or if a person has a chronic disease that puts them at risk of vision loss, they should also undergo routine exams.
Other risk factors that may call for an increased frequency of eye exams include taking medications that have visual-related side effects and working in an occupation that strains the eyes. A previous eye injury is also a risk factor for vision problems.
Vision problems can significantly affect the quality of one's life. For this reason, a person should undergo an eye exam at the recommended intervals to catch any problems early.
Request an appointment here: https://www.texasoptical.net or call Texas Optical at (214) 771-7333 for an appointment in our Dallas office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Blurry vision can interfere with the life that you want to live. It can make you less able to engage with your surroundings and may even limit your ability to do daily tasks, such as driving. However, by searching the internet for "optometrist near me", you can find a professional to help resolve your blurry…
Think you might need a vision test? Read on to learn more. Vision is an element of our everyday routine and impacts exactly how we relate to the world. Nevertheless, these changes in eyesight are usually subtle and gradually decrease the quality of life without notice. These changes can be detected with regular vision tests.…
A contact lens exam is the most accurate way to ensure that a new corrective lens fits properly on the eye’s surface. Contact lenses that fit well can help you see more clearly without causing dry eyes or discomfort. A contact lens exam is a simple process, and it can even be conducted alongside a…
Long gone are the days of choosing between clear vision and eye protection. Safety glasses are available to all who need them, whether working in a factory, landscaping, or playing sports. Here is what you can expect when consulting our optometrist for these glasses.No matter the reason one needs safety glasses, patients will require an…
Blurry vision can interfere with the life that you want to live. It can make you less able to engage with your surroundings and may even limit your ability to do daily tasks, such as driving. However, by searching the internet for "optometrist near me", you can find a professional to help resolve your blurry…
Think you might need a vision test? Read on to learn more. Vision is an element of our everyday routine and impacts exactly how we relate to the world. Nevertheless, these changes in eyesight are usually subtle and gradually decrease the quality of life without notice. These changes can be detected with regular vision tests.…