You may think you only need to see an eye doctor when you can’t see well. But that’s not always the case. Eye exams do not just check your vision but also help find major eye problems early on. Knowing how often to visit an eye doctor can help keep your eyesight and overall health. Read on to learn more about when you should schedule your appointment.
1. Going on a Visit Will Help You See Right
Even if you think you can see fine, that doesn’t mean your eyes are healthy. Some eye problems get worse over time and don’t show any early symptoms. If you notice a symptom too late, the damage may already be very destructive.
With an eye test, you can find glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration before they get worse. Your eye doctor can also find signs of health problems like diabetes or high blood pressure.
2. Getting an Eye Exam
If you are healthy and between the ages of 18 and 60, you should get your eyes checked every two years. But if you wear glasses or contacts, your optometrist may tell you to come in once a year to make sure your vision grade is still correct.
Children should get their first eye check when they turn 6 months old. Then again, when they are 3 years old, and finally before they start school. After that, the checkup should be done every one to two years.
If you’re over 60, you should see an eye doctor once a year because eye problems that come with getting older are more likely to happen.
3. Family History of Eye Disease
Go to your eye doctor in Kennesaw more often if you have a family history of eye diseases like glaucoma or macular degeneration. You may be more likely to get these diseases yourself, and you must have an eye checkup every year.
Also, you should be checked more often if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or other health problems that affect your eyes.
Certain jobs or lifestyle choices can also impact your eyes. It’s easy for your eyes to get tired or irritated if you work in a dusty or bright place for long periods.
4. Warning Signs You Can’t Ignore
Make an appointment right away if you suddenly have trouble seeing, floaters, flashes of light, or eye pain. These signs could mean that you have a dangerous condition, like a detached retina or an eye infection. You should also be aware that other warning signs are double vision, trouble seeing at night, or having red, itchy eyes that won’t go away.
You can help find early signs of health problems like diabetes, high cholesterol, and even brain cancer. Doctors can see your nerves and blood vessels obviously through your eyes, which tells them a lot about your health as a whole. Eye exams save time, money, and stress by finding problems early on.
Simple Ways to Remember Your Appointment
It’s easy to forget to go to the doctor when you’re busy, especially if nothing seems wrong. You could set your phone to remind you, or write it down on your calendar. Another easy way for you to remember is to get your eye test in the month of your birthday.
It’s a beneficial idea to book your family’s exams before the school year starts. You can also ask your eye doctor to send you a text or email once a year to remind you.
Good Eye Health with Routine Eye Doctor Visits
Knowing when to see an eye doctor is a great way to stay healthy. When you get your eyes checked, even without signs or if you have health issues, you protect your vision. Get regular checkups to keep your eyes in great shape for years to come.
