When Should I Schedule My Next Eye Exam?

Has it been a while since you had your eyes examined? Is it something that you keep meaning to make an appointment for but keep forgetting?

Keep reading to learn more about eye exams and why they are so important! Then see when you should schedule your next one!

How Often Should You Get Your Eyes Checked?

Most eye care professionals recommend that you get an eye exam every one to two years. Depending on your eyesight and health, it can be longer or shorter between visits to your eye doctor.

Because your vision can change, it’s best to get regular checkups in the recommended amount of time. Aging, medication, health factors, and whether you wear eyeglasses or contacts can all change your eyes.

If you wear glasses or contact lenses, you should plan to get an eye exam every year to make sure you have an up-to-date prescription. If you need to replace your glasses or contacts, you won’t have to wait to get a new prescription.

People with diabetes should also see their eye doctor once a year for an examination, no matter their age. Diabetes requires frequent monitoring, which includes eye checkups because diabetes can damage your eyesight.

What Does A Regular Eye Exam Look Like?

Your annual eye exam will consist of checking your prescription to see if there have been any changes to your eyesight in the last year.

During your eye exam, your eye doctor will also discuss your medical history and any medications you may currently take. You’ll discuss any family history of eye problems or any eye problems that you have had in the past.

If, for example, macular degeneration runs in your family, your doctor needs to know. They will also check you for cataracts or glaucoma.

Both of these severe eye conditions can eventually lead to vision loss. Regular eye exams can help prevent and slow down these conditions.

Your doctor will ask if you are currently experiencing any symptoms or have any worries about your eyesight. This is your chance to share any concerns, whether they seem important or not.

Why Is It So Important To Get Your Eyes Checked?

Your eyes begin to develop various conditions as you age. You need to track their aging to ensure these conditions don’t sneak up on you.

An eye exam can help to detect and diagnose medical conditions and eye diseases in their early stages. Doing so can be a vision saver since many eye conditions have few or no symptoms. 

If you don’t get your eyes checked regularly, retina issues can also develop without you knowing. Retina diseases may damage the blood vessels in the retina. This damage may start with blurry vision, night blindness, and difficulty distinguishing colors.

Retina damage can lead to loss of vision and ultimately blindness. If you would like to maintain clear vision for as long as possible, make getting an eye exam a top priority.

Don’t take any chances with your eyesight! Schedule an appointment at Vermont Eye Laser in Burlington, VT, today!