It is common knowledge that one should visit their dentist every six months. We could also say the same thing about getting a general health screening each year. But, when it comes to eye health, it is relatively rare that people would know how often they should get an exam. So, how often should you be seeing your optometrist? 

Visual assessment needs vary at different stages of life. To start, there is no fixed interval for infants yet, as long as they have had their first eye assessment with their primary care doctor before turning one. Then, the next eye exam would be at three years old or when they start school. This mainly checks for refractive errors that could interfere with learning. 

Some medical conditions make one more vulnerable to visual impairment. For instance, diabetes could result in an eye condition called diabetic retinopathy. This is when the blood vessels of the retina become damaged because of high blood sugar levels. Other medical conditions like high blood pressure and various heart conditions can also contribute to visual impairment.

How often one should get an eye exam will vary if their job puts them at greater risk of eye damage. For instance, there is a greater risk of damage for those working around bright UV lights, hazardous environments, or conditions with excessive glare. Individuals who frequently experience these dangers should consider getting an eye exam more often to properly monitor their eye health.

Genetic factors also play a role in some eye conditions. An article by Cleveland Clinic discusses eye conditions where genetic factors are known to contribute to issues. The article includes common conditions such as lazy eye, nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Genetic factors are not the sole determinant, but it is best to closely monitor your eye health if you have a predisposition to such conditions because early diagnoses could lead to more effective treatments.

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, do not wait for your next eye exam. Schedule an appointment with your optometrist as soon as possible to address these concerns immediately. 

Regular e ye exams are just as vital as other health assessments (i.e., dentist appointments, general health evaluations). It’s not just about testing for 20/20 vision- following a proper eye exam schedule can provide countless long-term benefits. We use our eyes all day, every day, and our overall quality of life depends on how well we see the world around us. We encourage you to contact us at Oculi Vision to discuss any questions or concerns you may have. We’ll work together to consider your unique circumstances before recommending a personalized plan.