How Often Optometrist Checkup Can Save Your Vision

You know that saying, “You don’t know what you have until it’s gone?” That applies very well to your eyesight.

Most people only visit the eye doctor when something goes wrong, such as blurry vision, headaches, or the moment when they can no longer read the text on their phone.

But what if I told you that simply knowing how often optometrist checkup can save your vision could be the difference between seeing clearly in your 80s and losing your sight far too soon?

In a world where everyone is glued to screens and surrounded by environmental stressors, keeping your eyes healthy is very important.

In this post, I will explain why frequent optometrist visits may be necessary for your long-term wellness. But first, let’s start by understanding the why.

Why Do You Need Regular Eye Exams?

We can’t discuss the appropriate timing for an eye exam without first recognizing the reasons why individuals require them.

Many people believe that if they aren’t currently using glasses or contacts and do not experience any eye issues (such as dryness or blurriness), then routine eye exams are unnecessary.

However, the reality is that regular eye exams are essential at every stage of life. A regular eye exam helps to:

Identify Eye Conditions Early 

Even if your vision is 20/20, routine eye examinations are crucial for maintaining your eye health. Eye exams can detect issues like glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, and other conditions.

Early detection of these conditions enables treatment that can help protect your vision and avert additional eye complications.

Correct Vision Issues 

An eye examination will evaluate your visual clarity, which is the capacity to see distinctly at different distances and look for refractive errors (conditions such as nearsightedness or farsightedness, which arise from how your eye directs light onto the retina).

This is what most people associate with eye exams, which determine whether they require glasses. 

Vision changes naturally occur as time passes. If you already have a prescription, your upcoming eye exam may reveal that your prescription needs to be updated. 

Equally, if you’ve never worn glasses and believe your vision is completely fine, your next eye exam may still reveal the necessity for your first pair of glasses.

A routine eye exam can also detect signs of:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Glaucoma
• Macular degeneration
• Retinal detachment

According to the American Optometric Association, a comprehensive eye exam can detect signs of over 270 systemic diseases. That includes conditions that could otherwise go unnoticed for years. So, when we talk about how often optometrist checkups can save your vision, we’re also talking about how it can save your life.

How Often Do You Get an Optometrist Checkup

If you do some research, you might come across varying viewpoints, but the key takeaway is this: Having consistent eye exams is the most effective way to protect your eyesight.

If you are not experiencing any issues and don’t use glasses or contacts, most eye care professionals will recommend having an eye examination according to your age.

Children

Children depend significantly on their eyesight for learning and development. Unidentified vision issues can impact academic performance and growth, making early identification crucial for effective intervention. 

A baby’s first eye examination should occur before they turn one to identify any signs of eye misalignment or developmental issues. 

At age 3, a follow-up exam is important to confirm that the eyes are developing correctly and functioning together as they should. 

Before entering school, typically around ages 5 or 6, children should undergo a comprehensive eye exam to ensure they possess the visual skills necessary for the classroom. 

Children of school age should have their eyes examined annually while attending school, even if they have not experienced any issues previously. Their eyesight can change rapidly during periods of growth.

According to the American Optometric Association, 1 in 4 school-age children has an undiagnosed vision problem.

Poor eyesight can mimic learning disabilities. Kids may be mislabeled as hyperactive or unfocused when they’re actually just struggling to see the board.

Adult 18-39

Eye examinations are important for young adults, even if your eyesight appears to be normal. No need for corrective lenses or noticeable risk factors: A biennial eye exam is typically advised. 

If you wear contact lenses or prescription glasses, annual eye exams help ensure your prescription remains accurate and assess your overall eye health. 

If you have health issues, are experiencing eye strain,  suffer from diabetes hypertension, or spend extended periods in front of screens, yearly assessments are highly recommended. 

40-64

As you reach your 40s, changes in your eyesight may become noticeable. Typical conditions associated with aging, such as presbyopia, which results in challenges focusing on objects up close because the lens of the eyes is becoming less flexible, often start to arise during this period.

For individuals at low risk, an eye examination every two years is generally adequate. If you wear corrective lenses or are at high risk, annual checkups can help identify early signs of cataracts, glaucoma, and other eye conditions before any symptoms appear.

65 and Above

Individuals aged 65 and older should have a yearly eye examination, according to the AOA. Older adults are more prone to worsening presbyopia, the development of cataracts, or experiencing vision issues linked to other medical conditions.

Your eye care professional will offer guidance on what is most suitable for you and how frequently you should schedule an eye exam.

Certain factors may necessitate more regular visits to your eye care provider, including: 

• Emerging or worsening symptoms: Symptoms such as blurred vision, headaches, floaters, or sudden changes in vision should always be taken seriously. 

• Chronic health issues: Conditions like diabetes and hypertension can affect eye health and need closer observation. 

• Family history of vision problems: A genetic predisposition is a factor in many ocular conditions, emphasizing the importance of regular eye exams for individuals with a family history of eye diseases. 

• Prolonged screen use: Digital eye strain can significantly affect your daily activities. Your eye care provider can suggest ways to prevent eye strain and enhance visual comfort while using screens. 

What Should You Expect After an Eye Exam?

Following a standard eye examination, your eye care professional will discuss their findings and what they signify for your vision. If it is determined that you need glasses, you will be provided with a paper or digital copy of your prescription.

Federal laws mandate that you receive this document, regardless of your preference. Certain states also stipulate that the physical copy of the prescription must include your pupillary distance (the distance between your pupils), which is necessary for purchasing glasses online.

While many states do not require this measurement to be provided, some eye care professionals may offer it if you request it.

If your eye care provider has dilated your pupils. In that case, you may experience difficulty focusing on nearby objects, such as your phone, computer display, or books, for some time after the appointment. Bright lights, sunlight, and screens can also seem excessively bright or even painful.

You can bring your sunglasses to the exam and put them on after it concludes to alleviate discomfort. Your eye care specialist’s office may also have temporary shades or lens covers available for your use.

However, you may want someone to drive you to and from your appointment, as some individuals find it challenging to see well enough to drive following pupil dilation.

Conclusion

We prioritize dentist visits, we track calories, and we hit the gym. But for some reason, eye exams fall to the bottom of our health list until something goes wrong. Don’t wait for a red flag. Make the checkup part of your routine, not your emergency plan.

Your eyesight isn’t a luxury. It’s a gift, and one regular checkup can preserve it for decades. So do your future self a favor. Call your optometrist and set the appointment.

To save you the stress of finding a trustworthy optometrist, I would like to recommend Crystal Vision Center.

For over three decades, Crystal Vision Center has been a committed and compassionate provider of high-quality vision services for College Station and the nearby areas.

They utilize cutting-edge diagnostic technology to offer contemporary eye care services, such as thorough eye examinations and vision correction, among others.

Their team is both friendly and professional, with a dedication to delivering outstanding customer service to all patients in College Station.

You can arrange an appointment with a knowledgeable eye care professional at our optometrist office in College Station and ensure your vision receives the care and attention it truly deserves.