How Often Should I Get an Eye Exam?
Have you frequently been placing your annual health checkup with your doctor above your eye exam? Many people think that if they obtain their annual physical, that they are doing enough to keep track of their health, but this is not the case. Eye exams can be just as important! In this post by Mountain Eye Care, we will be discussing the frequency with which you should get an eye exam, at what age, as suggested by the Canadian Association of Optometrists.
Infants, Toddlers, Preschool Children
When your baby is born, it is essential to have your infant undergo an eye exam between 6 and 9 months of age. This is to make sure that your newborn’s vision is properly developing, and if it is not, to take the required steps to help fix it. Children in preschool, aged 2 to 5, should then receive another eye exam to keep tabs on the progression.
Children 6 to 19
School-aged children from 6 to 19 should receive an eye exam annually. 80% of what children learn inside and out of the classroom requires good vision. Therefore undergoing an annual eye exam is in the best interest of growing children, as it will help prepare them for the future and give them the vision aid they may need to succeed. Increased screen time and digital use are continuing to have an effect on the developing body, making it doubly important to check the vision health of growing children routinely.
Adults 20 to 39
Canadians between 20 and 39 are recommended to undergo an eye exam every two to three years if they know they are at low-risk for genetic disorders and health-related issues. If your previous eye exams have revealed that you are at higher risk for vision-related problems, then an annual eye exam is in your best interest.
Adults 40 to 64
Depending on numerous factors, adults aged 40 to 64 should see an Optometrist and receive an eye exam every 1 to 2 years. At this time genetics, health, and family predisposition can have a more significant effect on your vision health and strength. Again, if you know from previous visits to your optometrist that you may be at higher risk of developing cataracts, myopia, and other vision-related issues than an annual eye exam is a must.
Adults 65 and Older
Canada’s 65 and older should always receive an annual eye exam, no matter the previous low or high risks, as it is during this time that age-related health and vision issues can affect you no matter your genetics.
Mountain Eye Care is well equipped to provide comprehensive eye exams for people of all ages. If you have not received an exam in recent years, no matter your age, now is the time to see our knowledgeable and friendly Optometrists! Make an appointment online or drop by our facility today!
