Taking care of your eyes is crucial for maintaining good vision and overall eye health. One important aspect of eye care is getting regular eye exams. But how often should you get an eye exam? In this post, we will discuss the recommended frequency of eye exams and why they are so important. 

Why are regular eye exams important? 

Regular eye exams are essential for detecting any potential issues early on and preventing further damage to your eyesight. Even if your vision seems fine, many serious eye conditions, such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, often show no symptoms in the early stages. By having regular exams, your optometrist can catch these conditions before they progress and recommend appropriate treatment to preserve your vision.  

Eye exams for adults 

How often you should get an eye exam depends on several factors, including your age, overall health, and any existing eye conditions. We recommend our patients in Plymouth, Canton, and Northville get a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year. However, if you have a family history of eye diseases such as glaucoma or macular degeneration, or if you have diabetes or other health conditions that can affect your eyes, you may need to have more frequent exams. 

Eye exams for children 

Children should also have regular eye exams to ensure that their vision is developing properly. It is recommended that children have their first comprehensive eye exam at around 6 months of age, then again at 3 years old, and once more before starting school. After that, children should see an eye doctor annually to monitor their vision as they grow. 

Eye exams over 40 

As we age, our risk of developing certain eye conditions increases. Adults over the age of 40 should consider scheduling annual eye exams to screen for age-related issues such as presbyopia (difficulty focusing up close) or cataracts. Early detection of these conditions can help maintain good vision and quality of life as you get older. 

Remember that prevention is key when it comes to maintaining good vision and overall eye health. At Progressive Family Eye Care, we provide comprehensive eye exams in Plymouth, Michigan, including pediatric eye exams for your little ones! During your eye exam, we will do more than just check your vision. Using advanced diagnostic technology, we can detect early signs of eye conditions and diseases that may not have symptoms early on. If you have any concerns about your eyesight or need to schedule an appointment for an exam, contact us today.