Everyone needs regular eye exams, even if one sees well without correction and glasses are not necessary. It’s important for adults to schedule annual eye exams to monitor their eye health, especially those over the age of 50 years old. This is also especially important for adults who have a family history of eye problems or have higher risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, excessive technology usage or use of certain medications. Conditions that are often detected during eye exams include glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy. Early detection of these conditions allows for the widest range of treatment options and the best chance of slowing or reversing any symptoms.
While children often get a screening at school or during pediatrician visits, we recommend that all children have their first eye exam before or during Kindergarten and a thorough eye exam every year after that. Vision can change a lot during growth spurts so it is important to catch any visual needs that might arise and affect learning during the developmental years.