It is very important to have an eye exam regularly to know if you have any vision or an eye problems. Eye care experts recommend to have an eye checkup for at least once in two to three years. This article gives information about when to have an eye checkup.
When to have an eye exam?
Children
- Routine eye checkup for children is very much essential to get ready to learn in school.
- Children should have first eye exam at the age of six months. Next exam should be done at the age of three years and again at the beginning of school.
- If children are not at risk, they should continue their eye checkup for every two years until 18 years of age.
- Children with risks for vision problems need their first eye test earlier than age of six months. Throughout the childhood, they may need eye exams more frequently.
Risks factors include:
- Developmental delays
- Family history of eye disorders
- Cause of infection from mother during pregnancy
- History of low birth weight or premature birth.
- Crossed or turned eyes
- Anisometropia or high refractive error
- Other disease or physical illness
Children who wear contact lenses or eye glasses should have an eye checkup every year.
Adults
- To maintain healthy vision, adults of ages 18-60 should have an eye test at least once in two years.
- And seniors above 61 years age should go for eye test every year.
- When adults are at risk should have frequent exams.
Risk factors include:
- High blood pressure or diabetes
- Family history of eye disorders
- Previous eye surgery or eye injuries
- Taking drugs that may have eye-related or visual side effects.
Adults who wear contact lens should have an eye exam every year.
Ask your eye care provider for guidance how often you (or your parents or children) need to have eyes examined.
