Routine Eye Care
Routine eye care by an ophthalmologist or optometrist is important for maintaining good eye health and preventing or managing eye diseases.
Here are some common components of a routine eye care visit:
Importance of Routine Eye Care
- Early Detection of Diseases: Conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy often show no symptoms in the early stages but can be detected during a routine eye exam.
- Updating Prescriptions: Ensuring that your vision correction is accurate, reducing eye strain and improving vision quality.
- General Health Indicators: The eyes can reveal signs of systemic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol.
Frequency of Routine Eye Exams
- Children: Initial exam at 6 months, at age 3, before starting school, and then every 1-2 years.
- Adults (18-60 years): Every 2 years if no symptoms or risk factors; more frequently if you have conditions like diabetes or a family history of eye disease.
- Seniors (60+ years): Annually or as recommended by the ophthalmologist due to the increased risk of eye diseases.
When to See an Eye Doctor
- Experiencing vision changes, pain, flashes of light, floaters, or an injury to the eye.
- Diagnosed with a condition that affects the eyes, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
- Risk factors for eye disease, such as a family history of glaucoma or macular degeneration.
- Regular visits to an ophthalmologist or optometrist can help maintain your vision and overall eye health.