Having periodic comprehensive eye exams is a vital practice in preventive health care. Several eye and vision issues do not present their symptoms early and only are evident after causing damage. However, early detection and treatment of these problems can help prevent irreversible consequences.

 

Your symptoms, plus your optometrist’s professional analysis, dictates the tests you will undergo during a comprehensive eye exam. The frequency of scheduling comprehensive eye exams varies with your age and health conditions.

 

Between Six Months and 20 Years

Unless your toddler shows signs of vision problems, you should schedule their first comprehensive eye exam when they are around six months old. Plan a follow-up appointment before they start nursery school or the first grade. After this, you may take them for more eye exams at your discretion.

Approximately 80 percent of what your kids learn comes through their vision. For this reason, it is advisable to secure their eyesight to facilitate their success in social and academic learning. Doctors recommend yearly eye checkups unless there are signs of vision problems. These symptoms include:

• Lack of attention in class

• Frequent rubbing and blinking of the eyes

• Issues remembering recent reading activities

• Closing one eye to focus vision

• Awkwardly moving eyes

• Frequent incidences of fatigue or headaches

• Leaning the head to one side

• Double vision

• Holding reading materials or digital devices near or far from the face
  
   

Ages 20 to 39

Doctors recommend that people within this age bracket should consider having a comprehensive eye exam at least once every two years. During this period, it is rare to experience rapid or sudden vision loss unless through trauma or illness.

According to statistics, African Americans are more prone to vision loss within this age group. To avoid or conveniently diagnose eyesight problems, they need to have comprehensive eye checkups every one or two years.

Ages 40 to 64

During this age bracket, your eyes may experience continuous changes. In most people, this may include depreciating eyesight and modification of lens prescriptions. From around age 35, the lenses of your eyes gradually begin to harden, affecting your near vision. For this reason, most people above 45 years old need to wear glasses when reading.

People in this age group are more susceptible to illnesses that may lead to vision loss. These include high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and reactions to prescription medicines. The best way to avoid or control vision issues is to undergo a thorough eye exam every year.

Ages 65 and Above

Once you attain this milestone, doctors recommend you schedule a comprehensive eye exam annually. In addition to developing farsightedness, people in this age group often develop vision-related issues like cataracts due to diminishing health. Some health issues and family medical history come into play when undergoing a complete eye exam.

Comprehensive Eye Exam

Unlike conventional eye tests, comprehensive eye exams are thorough and often last between one to two hours. During the eye exam, you can expect the following:

• Pupil dilation

• Visual acuity

• Intraocular pressure testing

• Retinal imaging

• Visual field testing
  
  
   

For more information on how often you need a comprehensive eye exam, contact Nolo Eye Care + Eyewear Gallery at our office in Nolensville, Tennessee. Call (615) 283-7321 to book an appointment today.