Eye health is important, and taking care of it starts with regular eye exams. But there are other times when you should consider visiting your optometrist too. Whether you’re an adult who hasn’t had their vision checked in a while, or a parent looking out for their child's eye health, it’s important to understand when to schedule that all-important appointment.
How Often Should I Schedule an Exam?
For most children and adults between the ages of six and sixty, the American Optometric Association recommends scheduling an eye exam every year—or more often if your vision is considered “at-risk.” Children should have their first exam at six months, then again at three years old. Before starting school (usually around five or six years old), they should have another comprehensive eye health evaluation. Once they reach sixty, annual exams are recommended.
When Should I Go Between Regular Exams?
It’s not just age that affects the frequency of your visits. The following are some signs from both adults and children that may indicate it's time for another checkup:
• Difficulty focusing on close-up tasks like reading or working on a computer;
• Blurriness in one or both eyes;
• Difficulty driving;
• Headaches related to eyestrain; • Squinting when trying to see objects clearly; • Redness in one or both eyes; • Pain in one or both eyes; • Seeing “floaters” in front of your line of vision; • Sudden changes in vision clarity; • Sensitivity to light; • Inability to focus on near and distant objects.
If you experience any of these symptoms, don't wait until your next scheduled appointment—it's best not to delay if you think something might be wrong with your vision! Also keep in mind that even if you don't feel any unusual symptoms, it's still important to stay up-to-date with regular appointments so that any potential issues can be caught early on.
It goes without saying that having healthy eyes is essential for leading a comfortable lifestyle—and regular appointments with your optometrist play an important role in maintaining good eye health over time. But remember: if you ever experience any changes with your vision between those routine exams, don’t hesitate to book an appointment as soon as possible! This way you can ensure that any potential problems get caught early on and taken care of properly before they become more serious issues down the line. So whether you're a parent keeping track of their kids' eye health, or an adult due for another checkup—make sure to schedule those regular appointments!