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How Often Should You See Your Ophthalmologist?

Melissa Webb • December 2, 2022

EYE EXAM IN AUSTIN, TEXAS

The moment you hear "eye examination," your mind unravels images of a flashlight in your face and deciphering letters on a chart. Although they are the stepping stones of any eye check-up, there is more to a visit an ophthalmologist than a routine test.

How Often Should You See Your Ophthalmologist

Generally, your appointment would open up with a thorough study of your medical history. This is because eye doctors ought to understand your medical history related to your eyesight and overall health. Also, do not forget to mention every medication you are on to get off to a great start.


Your
ophthalmologist will question you about any concerns related to your eyesight and if there are any changes that you can list. Then you will be asked to read a chart with letters on it with one eye while the other is covered. This will enable your professional expertise to determine your readability score of both eyes for objects placed at a certain distance. 


Once this is done, you will be seated in front of an eye machine known as a
phoropter. On a quick view through each lens, the doctor will ask you which was the clearest. This simple yet effective exercise can help doctors identify your prescription.

Why are eye exams by an ophthalmologist important?

Regular exams are one simple but effective way to prevent eye conditions and keep your eyes healthy at any age. A timely diagnosis of an eye can allow you to initiate your treatment sooner. This leads to rectifying the vision issues before it worsens and offers a positive outcome of the treatment. 


Eye exams are scenarios that propel people to undergo an eye check-up that they've probably been putting off for months. It's no surprise that most people discover that they have an eye condition during an eye exam visit with their ophthalmologist. 


A typical example is glaucoma, a disorder that shows little to no noticeable symptoms in its initial stages. Moreover, it is a condition that contains the potential to cause permanent and irrevocable vision loss. An elaborate eye check-up allows your doctor to spot any signs of glaucoma and other similar conditions.


They will conduct a detailed evaluation of your peripheral vision, as that is one of the initial parts of your eye that glaucoma poses a threat to. Also, they can run a test called increased intraocular pressure or IOP to take readings on the pressure of your eyes to indicate glaucoma. 

How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam?

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends having children screened for eye issues in their first year. Doctors recommend kids have screenings at the age of two, four, and once again when they are five years old. As and when necessary, parents should schedule comprehensive eye examination appointments for their kids. Until they go to school, kids are suggested to opt for an eye exam every two years.


Every adult
should go through an eye exam visit with an ophthalmologist once when they turn twenty and two times in their thirties. This is because age affects your eyesight and may lead to the development of vision issues like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. Although if your diagnosis has anything to do with refractive errors and you're already using prescribed glasses or contacts, you should schedule annual eye appointments.


Annual
eye appointments come in handy to update your prescriptions, so you can incorporate the required modifications if your vision has changed. Moreover, it is sound advice to book an eye examination appointment instantly should you experience an eye infection, injury, or abrupt changes in your eyesight.


Eye exams
are an indispensable aspect when it comes to your health. Eye care specialists recommend a comprehensive eye examination every consequent year. However, the frequency may vary based on age and biometric risk factors. You will have to pay frequent visits if prescribed contact lenses or spectacles.


20-39 Years Old

If you fall under the age range of 20 to 39, eye care experts suggest you get a thorough eye examination done every two years, provided that you show no signs or risks. Your eye doctor could ask you to schedule yearly appointments if you are at a heightened risk for eye disease.


40-60 Years Old

Once you turn 40, you can develop presbyopia. Presbyopia can be defined as a normal loss of the ability to focus your eyesight. Ageing could be a reason for this. You can fix it by using reading glasses that assist you in focusing on objects better. Eyes go through many changes during your 40s and 50s, which is why your ophthalmologist will probably want to see you every one to two years.


Bottom Line

At Restivo Laser Vision, our professionally skilled surgeons and ophthalmologists offer reliable LASIK eye surgery services, alternatives like PRK, and Cataract Surgery, among more services. For your utmost convenience, we are one of the leading full-service Ophthalmology clinics in the Austin, Texas, region. Our treatments are reasonably affordable, and our experts strive to commit to a safe and promising patient experience. Book a quick appointment today to get closer to reliving your errorless vision days.

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