Keep your vision sharp and your eyes healthy
Discover how often you should get your eyes examined and why it’s so important.
Your vision is priceless, and prevention is key to protecting it. Regular eye check-ups are a simple yet powerful way to stay ahead of potential issues. During these visits, your ophthalmologist ensures your prescription is up-to-date and screens for conditions that could impact your eyesight. By catching and addressing concerns early, you can enjoy clear, crisp vision for years to come.
Wondering how often you should get your eyes checked? Here’s a quick guide modified to help you protect your vision. Regular check-ups are key to catching potential issues early and keeping your eyes healthy. Let's examine these key recommendations to safeguard your vision. At Elite Eye Care, we offer comprehensive eye exams and personalized treatments to help protect and maintain your vision.
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Eye Exam for Vision Correction
If you wear glasses or contact lenses, regular vision check-ups are essential. Aim to visit your eye doctor every one to two years to ensure your prescription is accurate and your eyes remain healthy. Since prescriptions expire after this time, it’s important to confirm any changes before ordering new glasses or contacts.
Thorough Dilated Eye Exam
During a detailed eye exam, your ophthalmologist may use special eye drops to dilate your pupils. This allows them to get a clearer view of the inside of your eyes, helping to detect conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration early. These exams are an important step in protecting your vision and overall eye health.
To ensure your eyes stay healthy and your vision sharp, here's a personalized guide on how often you should schedule dilated eye exams:
- 20 to 39 years old: If you’re African-American, schedule an exam every 2–4 years. If you’re Caucasian, aim for every 3–5 years.
- 40 to 64 years old: Plan for an exam every 2–4 years.
- 65 years and older: Schedule your exams every 1–2 years.
- Individuals with special needs: If you have diabetes, a history of eye trauma or surgery, or a family history of eye diseases, consult your doctor to determine the right exam frequency for you.
Time for an Eye Exam? Watch for These Signs
Scheduling a yearly vision check-up, along with following the recommended timeline for comprehensive dilated eye exams, is key to maintaining healthy vision. However, don’t wait for your next appointment if you notice any unusual symptoms. If you experience any of the following signs, schedule an eye exam with your ophthalmologist immediately.
- Persistent itchiness, redness, or dryness in your eyes.
- Spots, excessive floaters, or flashes of light in your vision.
- Difficulty reading street signs, especially while driving at night.
- Frequent headaches, blurred vision, or eye strain after extended computer use.
- Trouble tracking moving objects or feeling dizzy and nauseated when trying to do so.
- The need to squint when reading books or newspapers up close.
- Sudden vision changes, particularly after a head injury.
- You can’t remember the last time you had an eye exam.
Got questions?
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Q&A
1. How frequently should I check my eyes?
To keep your vision healthy for life, if you're 18 to 60 years old, aim for a comprehensive eye exam every two years. If you're 65 or older, make it an annual habit. And if you're in the 'at-risk' category, prioritize an eye exam every year, or follow your doctor's advice for more frequent visits!
2. Can diet affect eye health?
Food provides essential nutrients that keep every part of your eyes healthy. However, if your diet is high in fried, fatty, processed, or sugary foods, it could negatively impact your vision over time.