Comprehensive eye exams should be viewed as an important part of our preventative care. Despite this, many people only visit their eye doctor when they start to experience problems with their vision or associated symptoms such as persistent headaches and dry eyes. However, by making sure that you attend regular comprehensive eye exams, not only could you prevent the onset of unpleasant, painful, and even debilitating symptoms, but you could also avoid significant and potentially permanent damage to your vision.

How Often Should I Get a Comprehensive Eye Exam?

Every patient is and should be treated as unique, meaning that there is no one answer to this question. For the vast majority of adult patients, eye doctors recommend that you get a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years. However, there are some specific circumstances that could influence just how often you are asked to attend. These include the following:

Wear Glasses/Contact Lenses?

If you currently wear glasses or contact lenses, or if you’ve recently changed prescriptions, you’ll almost certainly be asked to attend annual appointments so that your vision can be monitored, and your prescription adjusted as required.

Been Diagnosed with an Eye Condition?

If you have been diagnosed with an eye condition, such as cataracts or glaucoma, you will probably be asked to attend at least one appointment each year. This will enable your eye doctor to closely monitor how they are developing, or if you are having treatment, how well this is working.

Suffer from Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, or another Health Condition?

If you have been diagnosed with certain health conditions, your eye doctor will likely insist on annual visits too. This is because some health issues have been shown to have a direct impact on eye health and vision, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Similarly, some medications can cause side effects that affect the eyes and vision, and if you take these, you may need to be assessed more often too.

Had Eye Surgery in the Past?

People who have had eye surgery in the past are more likely to experience complications with their future vision. Close monitoring in the form of regular eye exams is recommended so that any issues can be detected and treated as soon as possible.

Over 65?

If you are over the age of 65, you’ll probably be asked to attend annual appointments too. This is because eyesight tends to deteriorate more quickly once you reach this age, and more regular visits will enable close monitoring and prompt action should you require any treatment.

Getting a comprehensive eye test is a straightforward process and shouldn’t take more than an hour of your time. You’ll be asked information about your current general health as well as how you feel your vision is and if you have any concerns about your vision. Then, you’ll undergo a number of tests to determine how clearly you can see at different distances and how healthy your eyes are. You’ll have these tests explained to you at the time so that you know what each test is for and what to expect.

If you would like more information about comprehensive eye exams, please contact our experienced eyecare team at Giannotti Vision Care, Optometry in Scotts Valley, California at (831) 438-4482 today.