FIRST TIME VISIT ?
Detailed eye examination by Eye doctor should be done every six months. Computerized eyes checkup done at various optical shops is not comprehensive eye checkup.
After initial examination eye drops are put to dilate your eyes. This takes some time, but this is especially important for detailed eye checkup which includes following examinations to rule out any disease in the eyes:
Contact lens wearers are at higher risk for fungal keratitis if using tap water to clean or store lenses (which should not be done). Also, simply having this organic matter on your hands and subsequently inserting your contact lenses can result in a serious eye infection.
- Blurred vision.
- Eye pain or stinging and burning in the eye.
- Feeling like something is in your eye (may be caused by a scratch or something in your eye)
- Light sensitivity.
- Redness of the eye.
- Swollen eyelids.
- Watery eyes or increased tearing.
You can wear glasses or contact lenses after LASIK. If your vision is continuing to change as your refractive error returns or changes, you may find you need them again.
If you don’t have any symptoms or vision problems, doctors recommend getting regular eye exams based on your age:
- Ages 20 to 39: Every 5 years
- Ages 40 to 54: Every 2 to 4 years
- Ages 55 to 64: Every 1 to 3 years
- Ages 65 and up: Every 1 to 2 years
You’ll want to have your eyes checked more often if you wear glasses or contact lenses, have a family history of eye disease, or have a chronic condition that puts you at risk for eye disease, like diabetes.
Screening is offered because: diabetic retinopathy doesn’t tend to cause any symptoms in the early stages. the condition can cause permanent blindness if not diagnosed and treated promptly. screening can detect problems in your eyes before they start to affect your vision.
You can wear glasses or contact lenses after LASIK. If your vision is continuing to change as your refractive error returns or changes, you may find you need them again.
EYE EXAMINATION
When Should You Have an Eye Exam?
Childhood vision screening
From birth through the teenage years, children’s eyes are growing and changing quickly. The American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus have developed specific childhood eye screening guidelines. Follow these guidelines to get your child screened at the right times and identify when your child might need a complete eye exam.
Baseline eye exams for adults
If your eyes are healthy and vision is good, you should have a complete exam by your ophthalmologist once in your 20s and twice in your 30s.
There are some exceptions:
- If you have an infection, injury, or eye pain, or you notice sudden floaters and flashes or patterns of light, call your ophthalmologist.
- If you wear contact lenses, see your eye specialist every year.
- If you have diabetes or have a family history of eye disease, talk with your ophthalmologist about how often your eyes should be examined.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that adults get a complete eye examination at age 40. This is when early signs of disease or changes in vision may appear. It is important to find eye diseases early. Early treatment can help preserve your vision.
Not everyone should wait until age 40 for an eye exam
Some adults shouldn’t wait until they are 40 to have a complete eye exam. See an ophthalmologist now if you have an eye disease or risk factors such as:
After an exam, your ophthalmologist can tell you how often you should have your eyes checked in the future. It’s important to follow the schedule your ophthalmologist gives you, especially as you age. Your risk for eye disease increases as you get older.
Seniors and eye exams
If you are 65 or older, make sure you have your eyes checked every year or two. Your ophthalmologist will check for signs of age-related eye diseases such as:
Remember, always follow the schedule your ophthalmologist recommends for future eye exams.