How often do you need an eye exam? Part 2

In medicine, we have something called “screening exams.” They are things we do, not because we think we have a problem, but because we want to check to make sure we don’t have a problem. The thinking is that if we can find problems early, before we even know we have them, then we have a much better chance of successful treatment. So, mammography checks for breast cancer before it’s a big lump that can be felt. Checking blood pressure periodically is designed to find high blood pressure early, before it causes serious problems. The list of screening exams and preventive health measures is very long.

Perhaps the most neglected health maintenance exam is the eye exam that needs to take place when you have no eye problems at all. We perform these exams to find hidden problems that could lead to vision loss if not treated—problems like glaucoma, or diabetic eye disease.

So, if you don’t wear glasses or contacts, if you’re healthy and you aren’t having any problems with your eyes you still need to get a preventive eye health exam. You don’t need to have one very often. The frequency depends upon your age. Here are the intervals:

Once during your 20’s and twice during your 30’s. I recommend ages 20, 30 and 35 because it’s easy to remember.

TIP: The most common cause of eye problems among healthy young adults is eye injuries. Most adults have healthy eyes, but you still need to take care of your vision by wearing protective eyewear when working in dangerous areas, playing sports, doing woodwork or yard work, working with chemicals or taking part in other activities that could result in an eye injury.

Every two to four years between ages 40 and 65.

TIP: By the mid-40s, most of us are having difficulty with near vision and we will need reading glasses. During these middle years you should take preventive measures to prevent injury and detect disease.

Every one to two years after age 65

TIP: As a seniors 65 and older, you should have a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years to assess your eye health and diagnose any eye conditions, such as cataracts, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration.

Remember…

All of these intervals are recommended if you have no eye problems, wear no glasses or contacts, have no medical problems such as diabetes or high blood pressure, and have not personal or family history of eye disease. If you have any of these, you will need an exam by an eye specialist at least once a year. Keep your eyes healthy. Get them thoroughly examined by an eye specialist, once during your 20s, twice during your 30s, every two to four years between ages 40-65, and every one or two year after age 65.

Keep in mind that routine eye exams are the best way to protect your vision, since an eye exam can detect unknown problems at their earliest stages when they are easiest to treat.

Chances are that you’re due for an exam. I am.

(David Khorram, MD is a board certified ophthalmologist, and director of Marianas Eye Institute. Questions and comments are welcome. Call 235-9090 or email eye@vzpacifica.net. Copyright © 2006 David Khorram.)