Clear vision is extremely important in terms of well being and quality of life. Many of our activities take for granted that we are able to see clearly. Many people, who make regular visits to their medical doctor or dentist, neglect to make regular visits to their eye doctor. Yet, 80% of all the sensory information our brains receive comes from our eyes.
Unfortunately, many eye diseases and vision problems have no obvious symptoms in their earliest stages. While the early warning signs of an eye disorder may be invisible to you, they are often easily detectable by an ophthalmologist. Regular eye exams are critical for the early detection of eye disorders that, if not treated, can lead to serious vision loss from Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration, Cataracts, or Diabetic Retinopathy.
The American Optometric Association recommends eye exams at following intervals:
- Birth to 24 months: at 6 months of age
- Age 2 to 5: at 3 years of age
- Age 6: one exam (before kindergarten)
- Ages 6 to 18: every two years (every year if wear glasses or contacts)
- Ages 19 to 40: every two years
- Ages 40 and older: every year
Regular eye examinations greatly improve the chances of detecting eye problems. As with general health disorders, early detection followed by prompt treatment, increases the chances of curing or controlling a disorder that could put your sight at risk. If you have any risk factors or have any concerns, you should ask your eye care professional for guidance.