How Often Should You Get Your Eyes Checked?

Many people may wonder whether it is time for an eye exam. It is an important question, and the answer varies depending on several factors, including age, overall health, and whether you wear glasses or contact lenses. Regular eye exams are crucial for maintaining good vision and eye health, and they can even play a role in detecting other health conditions early.

Why Are Regular Eye Exams Important?

Your eyes are windows to your overall health. During an eye exam, we assess your vision and look for early signs of eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration. These conditions often develop without noticeable symptoms in the initial stages, making regular check-ups essential for early detection and treatment.

An eye exam can reveal signs of systemic health issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and even certain types of cancer. By catching these problems early, we can help you manage your overall health more effectively.

How Often Should You Have an Eye Exam?

The frequency of your eye exams depends on your age, eye health, and risk factors. Here’s a general guideline:

• Children: Children should have their first comprehensive eye exam at six months of age. The next exam should be at three years old, followed by another before they start school. After that, annual exams are recommended to ensure that their vision is developing correctly and to catch any issues that could affect their learning.

• Adults (Ages 18-64): Adults with healthy vision and no risk factors should have an eye exam every two years. If you wear glasses, contact lenses, or have a family history of eye disease, you should schedule an annual exam.

• Seniors (Ages 65+): As we age, the risk of eye diseases increases. Therefore, it is recommended that seniors have an eye exam at least once a year. Regular exams are crucial for detecting age-related issues like cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.

Special Considerations

Certain health conditions and lifestyle factors may require more frequent eye exams. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of eye disease, you should have your eyes checked more often. Additionally, people who work in jobs that strain the eyes, like computer work, or those who have had eye surgery may need to see their optometrist more frequently.

Pregnancy can also affect vision due to hormonal changes, so if you are expecting, it is a good idea to schedule an eye exam to monitor any changes in your eyesight.

What to Expect During an Eye Exam

At Eyesight.sg, we make sure your eye exam is thorough and comfortable. During the exam, we will:

• Check your vision to determine whether you need glasses or contact lenses or if your current prescription needs updating.

• Examine your eyes for common conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.

• Assess how well your eyes work together as a team (binocular vision).
• Discuss any symptoms or concerns you may have.

Our goal is to ensure you leave with a clear understanding of your eye health and any steps you need to take to maintain or improve it.

Schedule Your Next Eye Exam at Eyesight.sg

Regular eye exams are vital to maintaining your overall health and well-being. Whether it is time for your routine eye exam, or you have concerns about your vision, our team at Eyesight.sg in Singapore is here to help. Schedule your appointment and take the next step in safeguarding your vision.