Your eyes are one of the most important parts of your body, but many people neglect their eye health until a problem arises. Regular eye exams are essential for maintaining clear vision and detecting issues before they become serious. But how do you know when it’s time to request an appointment?
The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends:
- Children should have their first exam between 6 and 12 months. The AOA recommends follow-up visits before starting school and then annually to ensure proper vision development.
- Adults between the ages of 18 and 64 should request eye exams at least every two years if they have clear vision and are not at risk for eye problems.
- Annual exams for adults 65 and older to detect age-related changes like cataracts or glaucoma.
However, individuals with risk factors, such as diabetes or a family history of eye disease, should have annual or more frequent exams. At Front Range Eye Health Center, we recommend requesting regular eye exams every one to two years. However, if you’re experiencing any of the following signs, it’s a clear indication that it’s time for a comprehensive eye check-up.
Key Indicators You Need an Eye Exam Soon
#1: Blurry Vision While Driving at Night
If you’ve noticed that your vision becomes blurry or difficult to focus while driving at night, it’s time for an eye exam. This could be a sign of an uncorrected refractive error, such as nearsightedness, or an early indication of cataracts. Nighttime driving requires clear vision, and difficulty seeing in low-light conditions could lead to accidents or eye strain.
Requesting an eye exam will help determine the cause of your blurry vision and ensure you have the right prescription or treatment to correct it.
#2: Frequent Headaches or Eye Strain
Frequent headaches, particularly after reading or working at a computer, could indicate that your vision has changed. Eye strain from uncorrected vision issues or spending too much time on digital screens can cause discomfort and even affect your productivity.
If you’re experiencing headaches or eye strain, it’s important to have your eyes checked. Our Front Range Eye Health Center optometrists can assess your vision and recommend solutions such as updated glasses, blue light filters, or lifestyle changes to reduce discomfort.
#3: Difficulty Reading Small Print
If you’re holding books or menus farther away to read small print, it could be a sign of presbyopia. This age-related condition affects near vision in adults over 40, often requiring reading glasses or multifocal lenses to correct.
Comprehensive eye exams can identify presbyopia early and provide you with the appropriate eyewear to make reading easier and more comfortable.
#4: Sensitivity to Light
Increased sensitivity to light, also known as photophobia, can be a symptom of several eye conditions, including cataracts or dry eyes. If you’ve noticed that bright lights are causing discomfort, it’s time for an eye exam to determine the underlying cause.
Our eye doctor can assess your symptoms and provide recommendations for managing light sensitivity, such as wearing sunglasses or using eye drops to reduce dryness.
#5: It’s Been More Than Two Years Since Your Last Exam
If you can’t remember the last time you had an eye exam, it’s time to request one.
Even if you’re not experiencing any noticeable issues, regular eye exams are essential for detecting eye conditions like glaucoma, which can develop without symptoms.
Request Your Eye Exam for Lasting Eye Health
At Front Range Eye Health Center, we recommend that adults request eye exams every one to two years to maintain optimal vision and eye health. Don’t wait for a problem to arise—request your comprehensive eye exam in Louisville and keep your eyes in top shape.