If you want to know when to get an eye exam, this would vary depending on several factors. Among these would be your age. According to the American Optometric Association, an adult below forty years of age with normal vision should take an eye exam every two years, however, if this person uses contact lenses or eyeglasses, annual exams are necessary.
Children, on the other hand, need to have eye exams at various intervals. This should begin once they are six months old, then taken again as soon as they reach the age of three, and then six. Thereafter, an eye exam every two years is needed.
Another factor to consider is the health condition of a person. Usually, if one is diabetic, he would need eye exams at least once a year. The same goes for those with high blood pressure. As you grow older (over sixty years old), you would need yearly eye exams because a lot of age-related medical problems are likely to occur such as cataracts, presbyopia, and macular degeneration.
Who should you go to? There are three types of medical practitioners who are capable of checking your eyes and provide treatments. These are:
1. Opticians
2. Optometrists
3. Ophthalmologists
The most qualified would be the ophthalmologists because they can perform surgeries and examinations, and in fact they are the only ones who have license to perform surgical procedures on the eyes. If you need prescriptions and very minor eye procedures, you can go to an optometrist, while opticians can only repair and adjust eyeglasses or fit contact lenses.
Preparation
In a regular eye exam, you are to undergo the following:
1. You will be asked questions about your family history pertaining to eye problems
2. You will be given an evaluation in terms of vision and eye coordination.
3. You will also go through internal and external eye examination.
Fees
This would depend on the outcome of the tests. You may have to undergo contact lens fitting and even laser surgery evaluation which would add up to the costs of a regular eye exam. If you have insurance, you may be eligible for certain discounts or even get the whole thing at no cost to you.
During the examination, you are also free to ask your doctor any questions you might have in mind. This way, your worries and concerns can be addressed before you step out of his office.
