How Often should You Get Your Eyes Checked?

One of the top questions we get at Sunglass and Optical Warehouse, is “How often should I get my eyes checked?”

While answers vary, naturally, depending on individual circumstances, such as age, overall health, and the last time you saw an eye care professional, there are some tried-and-true guidelines to go by.

Frequency of Eye Exams

No matter what your age, you should get your eyes checked on a regular basis. That’s a given. Much as your general health can change over time, so too can your eye health—and regular eye exams can help you catch changes early.

Of course, if you are experiencing acute symptoms (have a sudden vision change, eye pain, or severe irritation), have injured your eyes, or have a family history of vision problems, that’s a whole other situation and one you should discuss with your regular health care provider.

That said, consider the following to be general guidelines (from WebMd) for how often you should get your eyes examined by a qualified professional:

  • Children: At birth, 6 months, 3 years, and before entering grade school. This is often happens along with regular doctor visits or pre-school checkups.
  • Young adults: Once in your 20s and twice in your 30s
  • Adults: At age 40 with regular follow-ups, depending on your health
  • Adults 65 and older: Every 1 to 2 years

Who Should You See?

The American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology recommend that school age children receive regular eye screenings for visual acuity and alignment by a pediatrician, family doctor, ophthalmologist, optometrist, or other person trained in vision assessment of school-aged children.

Generally, most of us are familiar with three types of eye care providers: ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians.

  • OPHTHALMOLOGISTS are medical doctors (MDs) who have completed medical school, an internship, and a residency of at least three years. They offer what WebMD calls “complete eye care services,” ranging from eye exams, diagnosis of eye conditions, medical care for conditions such as glaucoma, and even surgery.
  • OPTOMETRISTS are doctors of optometry (ODs) which differs from a medical degree. They have spent four years in optometry school and often get additional clinical training afterwards. According to WebMd, their focus is on regular vision care; prescribing eyeglasses, sunglasses, and contacts; and the diagnosis of eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.
  • Unlike ophthalmologists and optometrists, OPTICIANS are not permitted to diagnose or treat eye diseases. Instead, they are trained to design and fit lenses and frames, contact lenses, and other devices to correct poor eyesight. Think of them as technicians who use prescriptions provided to them by ophthalmologists or optometrists.

We’re Here to Help

When it comes to your eye care needs, Sunglass and Optical Warehouse utilizes a team approach, coordinating with outside providers as well as those on staff here. Our goal is to provide top notch eye care to you and your family . . . and to treat you as family in the process.

We not only to offer the largest selection of prescription glasses and sunglasses in the San Diego Area, but we offer a skilled team of optometrists and other eye care professionals who help us prescribe, dispense, and fit prescription eyeglasses and prescription sunglasses that not only look good on your face, but keep you seeing well. Caring for your eyes is what we do best.

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