For the Public

Importance of Routine Eye Exams

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends timely vision and eye health screening for the detection and early treatment of eye problems in children and adults. Certain infectious, congenital and hereditary eye diseases may be present at birth or develop later in life. Eye examinations by an ophthalmologist (a medical doctor who specializes in medical and surgical eye care) are very important for the continued health of your eyes.

Eye diseases and vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism can affect men and women throughout their lives. After age 40, people are more likely to be affected by eye diseases such as glaucoma.

The suggested examination guidelines are:

• Ages 0 to 2: screening during regular pediatric appointments
• Ages 3 to 5: screening every one to two years during regular primary care appointments
• Ages 6 to 19: schedule examinations as needed
• Ages 20 to 29: one examination
• Ages 30 to 39: two examinations
• Ages 40 to 65: examination every two to four years
• Ages 65 and over: examination every one to two years

But check with your Eye M.D. to see how often you should have a complete eye exam if any of the following risk factors affect you:

• History of eye injury
• Diabetes
• Family history of eye problems
• African American over age 40