When Do You Need An Eye Exam?

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An eye exam is just one of those things that so many Canadians put off. It may be because our provincial health care plans (mostly) don’t cover regular eye exams and we’re getting cheap in our old age, or it may just be that we don’t need someone to remind us that we’re getting old period! But there are times when it’s absolutely essential that you get your eyes checked out, and that applies even if you know what strength you need and buy your reading glasses over the counter. These guidelines are according to the American Optometric Association:

Individuals who have family members with a history of glaucoma, macular degeneration or other eye diseases should go to the eye doctor more frequently than once every 2 years as recommended. For people who skip out on their visits entirely, family history should prompt them to go, period.

2.     Those that have suffered eye trauma or have had eye surgery in the past need to ensure they see an eye doctor

3.     People that have a career where their eyes are at risk should be getting regular eye exams

4.     A history of diabetes or high blood pressure should be followed up on with eye exams. The same applies to individuals taking any drugs that are known to have eye-related side effects.

5.     Children should also have regular eye exams while they’re still developing. This should start at 6 months of age, followed by another exam at age three, and again when they start school. After that, a trip to the eye doctor every two years provided there are no complications is sufficient.

Visiting an eye doctor will also allow you to learn exactly what strength reading glasses or reading bifocals that you require in order to see comfortably and then you can buy them without a prescription.

Via: All About Vision  , Image: Flickr Creative Commons