Regular eye examinations are essential for maintaining optimal eye health and overall well-being. They not only assess vision clarity but also detect early signs of eye diseases and other health conditions. I always look forward to seeing my patients year after year, it's a privilege to be trusted with their eye health. I always try to make the most of every appointment to ensure as comprehensive of an exam as possible! Below I go over the importance of yearly eye exams, if you haven't gotten an exam yet, 2025 is the year to start!
Early Detection of Eye Diseases
Many eye conditions, such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration, develop without noticeable symptoms in their initial stages. Regular eye exams enable early detection and timely intervention, preventing significant vision loss. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that comprehensive dilated eye exams are crucial, as some eye diseases may not have warning signs, and these exams are the only way to detect them early when they are easier to treat.
Comprehensive Eye Health Assessment
A standard eye exam is a series of tests done to check your vision and the health of your eyes. These exams assess visual acuity, check for refractive errors, and evaluate the overall health of the eyes, including screening for common eye diseases.
Detection of Systemic Health Issues
Eye exams can reveal signs of systemic health problems, including diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. The retina and optic nerve are extensions of the central nervous system, allowing eye exams to detect systemic health issues. Regular dilated eye exams are important beyond ensuring visual health, as they can reveal signs of various health conditions.
Customized Vision Correction
Regular eye exams ensure that prescriptions for glasses or contact lenses are up-to-date, providing optimal vision correction tailored to individual needs. This is particularly important as vision can change over time due to aging or other factors.
Recommendations for Eye Exam Frequency
As of 2025, the frequency of eye exams depends on age, health status, and risk factors:
- Children: An initial exam at six months, another at three years, before starting school, and then every two years if no vision correction is required.
- Adults (18-60): Every two years, or annually if wearing contact lenses or at risk for eye diseases.
- Seniors (61+): Annually, due to increased risk of age-related eye conditions.
Regular eye exams are a vital component of preventive healthcare, safeguarding vision and detecting potential health issues early. By adhering to recommended eye exam schedules, individuals can maintain eye health and overall well-being.
Bibliography
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Why Are Eye Exams Important?” CDC Vision Health Initiative. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/vision-health/about-eye-disorders/why-eye-exams-are-important.html.
MedlinePlus. “Eye Examination - Overview.” U.S. National Library of Medicine, https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003434.htm.
Verywell Health. “Health Problems You Didn’t Know an Eye Exam Can Detect.” Verywell Health, https://www.verywellhealth.com/eye-exams-can-detect-health-issues-8692512.
