Why eye exams are important
Key takeaways:
- An eye exam can tell you a lot about your general health. That’s why it’s important to get regular eye checkups, even if you don’t wear glasses or contact lenses.
- If you don’t have any symptoms or vision problems, doctors recommend getting regular eye exams based on your age and/or medical history.
- When you go for your eye exam, your eye doctor will check for vision problems and eye diseases. You’ll also read from an eye chart to test how clearly you see.
- See your eye doctor regularly to protect your vision.
Your eyes are the windows to your soul. They are also a window to your overall health. Regular exams and early treatment work best to protect your eyesight.
Importance of eye exams
Many Americans need glasses but don't know it. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 11 million people over age 12 need vision help.*
Your eyes give doctors a clear view of your blood vessels. Eye doctors can spot serious health problems early. They can find diabetes, lupus, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. They also find eye diseases like glaucoma and cataracts.
How often should I go to see an eye doctor?
When to go: Adults
If you don’t have any symptoms or vision problems, doctors recommend getting regular eye exams based on your age or medical history.
When to get regular eye exams:
- Ages 20 to 39: Every 5 years
- Ages 40 to 54: Every 2 to 4 years
- Ages 55 to 64: Every 1 to 3 years
- Ages 65 and up: Every 1 to 2 years
You need more frequent exams in some cases.*
Go more often if:
- You wear glasses or contacts
- Eye disease runs in your family
- You have diabetes:
- For type 1 diabetes, go for your first eye exam 5 years after diagnosis. Then every year.
- For type 2 diabetes, go for your first eye exam upon diagnosis. Then, at least every year.
- If you’re pregnant, go early on in your pregnancy. Continue to monitor on your doctor’s advice.
- If you have retinopathy, you may need more frequent monitoring. Ask your doctor.
When to go: Children
Kids need eye exams, too. Many eye problems don't have early symptoms. Children should get at least one exam between ages 3 and 5.
Doctors can check young children for common problems. They look for lazy eye or crossed eyes. Kids should get their eyes checked before first grade. After that, exams every one to two years work well.
What happens in an eye exam?
Your eye doctor will check for vision problems and eye conditions. They will ask about your:
- Overall health
- Family medical history
- Current medicines
You’ll read letters from an eye chart. This tests how clearly you see. Other tests check your 3D vision. They check your side vision and if you see colors correctly.
The doctor shines a small light in your eye. This lets them see your pupils and eye muscles. A magnifier helps them see your eyeball structures better.
Sometimes doctors use special eye drops. These drops make your pupils bigger. This lets them see blood vessels and nerves clearly. You can ask them not to use drops. Do this if you need clear vision right after.
The doctor will test for glaucoma. They might puff air at your eye. Or they might touch your eye briefly with a device.
What are common eye problems?
Some eye diseases need early treatment:
Cataracts cloud the lens of your eye. They cause the most vision loss in America.*
Diabetic retinopathy damages blood vessels in your eye. It causes blindness in American adults. But early treatment prevents blindness in 90 percent of cases.*
Glaucoma damages the nerve in your eye.
Macular degeneration breaks down tissue in your eye over time.
Amblyopia (lazy eye) affects 2 to 3 out of 100 children.* It needs prompt treatment.
How do I choose an eye doctor?
Two types of doctors do eye exams:
- An optometrist is a licensed professional but not a medical doctor. They do eye exams and vision tests. They prescribe glasses and contacts. They can also find some eye problems.
- An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor. They can do eye surgery and prescribe glasses or contacts.
Both types can do complete eye exams. For complex issues, see an ophthalmologist. Your family doctor can help you choose.
What should I do if I don’t have vision insurance?
Vision care often comes as a separate insurance plan, such as the Aetna Vision Preferred plan, which has a network of over 200,000 eye doctors. If you don’t need glasses or contact lenses, you may not have a separate vision plan. That’s OK. A visit to the ophthalmologist may be covered by your main medical plan. Call your health insurance company or the eye doctor ahead of time to learn more. They can tell you what your plan covers.
Bottom line:
See your eye doctor regularly. Eye exams are an important part of staying healthy. They help protect your vision and your overall health.
Take care of your eyes now. Encourage your family and friends to do the same. Don't wait until you have problems. Prevention is always better than treatment.
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