Comprehensive Eye Exams

Many people think of eye problems as something that happens to older people, but in fact, there are many eye conditions that can affect people in all stages of life — even childhood. Some of the eye conditions that can threaten a child’s vision are hard to detect, so children should have an eye and vision screening before age 5. Early detection and treatment of childhood eye conditions such as strabismus and amblyopia (lazy eye) can help ensure a lifetime of good vision.

Many of the “age-related” eye diseases actually start much earlier than expected. Most of them can be effectively treated and vision preserved if caught early enough. Ask your eye doctor if you may be at risk for problems like glaucoma or diabetic eye disease, and how often you should have an eye exam. Eye diseases that effect the retina such as Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, Diabetic and Hypertensive Retinopathy do not cause pain. These can only be diagnosed through a dilated retianl evaluation.

Because seniors are at increased risk for serious eye problems, they should have more frequent eye exams. In general, from ages 18 to 64, you should have an eye exam every two to three years. If you have any ocular or systemic diseases, more frequent visits may be recommended. After age 65, you should increase that to once a year, and even more frequently if your eye doctor recommends it due to your ocular health. People sometimes accept eye problems like decreasing or cloudy vision, or dry or teary eyes as an unavoidable condition of aging. Most of these problems, however, can be corrected and improved with the right treatment. Talk to your eye doctor if you have any eye problems. Even if poor vision can’t be improved, you can still enjoy an active and independent lifestyle. Many eye doctors offer low vision rehabilitation or can refer patients to these services.