Your eyes are the most precious thing you have. To ensure that you maintain healthy eyes, optometrists recommend having your eyes checked regularly. The frequency of an eye exam will vary depending on your age and health.
An optometrist is the health care professional trained and authorized to perform an eye examination. It is necessary to make an appointment with an optometrist who is a member of the College of Optometrist in your province.
Frequency of eye exams by age
Although the frequency may vary depending on each individual’s health status, the following information will give you an idea of how often you should have your eyes examined by an optometrist according to each age group.
6 months to 6 years old
Visual skills play an important role in early childhood development. A child’s first eye exam is recommended at about 3 years of age or earlier if parents notice that the child doesn’t follow objects with his eyes, appears to have a deviated eye, seems to have to move closer to see or depending on a family history of eye disease (amblyopia, strabismus, congenital cataract).
Afterward, toddlers should see an optometrist again once before preschool. During these appointments, the optometrist will determine if additional exams are necessary, according to each child’s condition.
6 to 18 years old
Between the ages of 6 and 18, during elementary and secondary school years, the child should see the optometrist once a year for a complete eye examination. However, in the presence of vision disorders, more frequent follow-ups may be necessary.
18 to 64 years old
For adults between 18 and 64 years old, we recommend consulting an optometrist at least every two years or as per the recommendation of your optometrist. Contact lens wearers should have the surface of their eyes checked each year because of the direct contact of the lenses with the eyes. Furthermore, people suffering from diabetes or those with strong myopia should get their eyes check with an eye exam annually. If you have a family history of conditions such as glaucoma or diabetes, an annual eye exam may also be recommended by your optometrist.
Eye exam for those 65 and over
People over the age of 65 should have their eyes examined every year. As we age, vision needs change and the risk of developing eye disease increases. A periodic eye exams can help prevent, treat or cure eye illnesses early on.
The College of Optometrists recommends that seniors have their vision tested yearly. An optometrist will be able to specify a frequency for eye testing to a person who wears contact lenses, suffers from health problems such as diabetes, or who has hereditary predispositions such as glaucoma or macular degeneration. A visit to the optometrist not only improves vision, but also allows for the early detection of eye disease.
Frequency of eye exams by health status
The frequency of eye exams may also vary depending on each person’s health. This testing can detect diseases and disorders of the eye such as glaucoma, cataracts or macular degeneration, as well as other health problems such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
If you have a family history of eye disease, it is recommended that you see an optometrist every year. In addition, it is advised to consult an eye care professional if you experience any unusual symptoms.
In summary, health care professionals such as optometrists are responsible for determining the frequency of eye exams based on each patient’s health profile. A complete eye exam performed by a doctor of optometry not only guarantees good eye health, but also offers peace of mind.
When was the last time you had an eye exam? Feel free to make an appointment by phone or online. Our optometrists maintain the highest standards of technical competence and use state-of-the-art equipment. Let us take care of your eyes!
