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How often do you need an eye exam? Part 1
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Posted on Jan 26 2006
At least once a year, if…
You probably already know that if you wear glasses or contacts, or if you have an eye condition like glaucoma or cataracts or health problems that increase the risk of eye disease like diabetes, you’ll need a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year.
You will also want to check with an eye specialist about the frequency of your exams if you have a personal or family history of eye disease, if you were born prematurely, if you are of African-American descent (because of a high risk for glaucoma), or if you have had a previous eye injury.
Immediately, if…
You should also be aware of some symptoms that could point to serious problems. See an eye specialist right away if you experience any eye problems such as:
– Visual changes or blurred vision
– Double vision
– Pain
– Bulging or protrusion of the eyes
– Flashes of light
– Seeing spots or ghost like images
– Dark spot appears in vision
– Lines and edges appear distorted or wavy
– Dry eyes with itching and burning
– Redness of the eyes
– A change in appearance of the eyes
– Headaches or eye strain
– Tearing
– Injuries or infections
– Changes in your eyelids or pupils or eye movements
– Sensitivity to light
– New growths
These can all be signs of serious problems and are worth getting checked right away. This is not a complete list. Basically, any time that something changes around your eyes or with your vision, it’s time for an eye exam by your eye specialist. By catching the problems early, you have the best chance of getting the treatment you need and preventing visual loss, blindness or more serious health problems. Delays can lead to loss of your vision.
There are also very specific guidelines of when to get an eye exam if you’re having no problems at all. Next week we’ll talk about when to get an eye exam if everything is okay.
(David Khorram, MD is a board certified ophthalmologist, and director of Marianas Eye Institute. Questions and comments are welcome. Call 235-9090 or email eye@vzpacifica.net. Copyright © 2006 David Khorram.)
