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    When to Get an Eye Exam

    What's an eye exam?

    During an eye exam, an eye healthcare provider looks at your health history and gives you a series of eye tests. The tests are done to check the health of your eyes. They check for problems that can develop over time, such as glaucoma and macular degeneration. You’ll also be checked to see if your vision needs correcting with prescription lenses. If you already wear lenses, your prescription will be checked to confirm it’s still right for you. 

    When should you get an eye exam? 

    When are eye exams needed? The answer varies by age, risk, and symptoms. According to the American Optometric Association:

    Age

    Low risk for eye problems, no eye symptoms

    Higher risk for eye problems (see below)

    Problems such as visual changes, pain, flashes of light, new floaters, excess tears, or injury to the eye

    Ages 18 to 64

    Every 2 years

    Every 1 to 2 years, or as advised by your eye healthcare provider

    See your eye healthcare provider now

    Ages 65 and older

    Every year

    Every year, or as advised by your eye healthcare provider

    See your eye healthcare provider now

    Are you at higher risk for eye problems? 

    Talk with your eye healthcare provider to find out if you need eye exams more often. You may be at higher risk of certain eye problems. African Americans are at higher risk for glaucoma. People with diabetes are at risk for several eye disorders. These include diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts. You may need eye exams more often if you have any of the below:

    • Diabetes

    • High blood pressure

    • Family history of eye disease, such as glaucoma or macular degeneration

    • Contact lenses

    • Previous eye surgery 

    And you may need eye exams more often if you:

    • Work in a job that can cause eye injury of any kind

    • Take medicines with side effects that can cause changes in the eyes

    • Have a family history of genetic eye disorders

    Online Medical Reviewer: Chris Haupert MD
    Online Medical Reviewer: Tara Novick BSN MSN
    Online Medical Reviewer: Whitney Seltman MD
    Date Last Reviewed: 2/1/2023
    © 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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    Southern New Mexico
    Surgery Center

    2301 Indian Wells Rd. Suite B
    Alamogordo, NM 88310
    www.snmsc.org

    Phone: 575.437.0890
    Fax: 575.437.0905
    Email: info@snmsc.org

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