As a busy parent juggling work, family, and everything in between, it’s easy to let your own health checks slide down the to-do list. However, your vision is precious, and at First Optometry, we believe in providing outstanding eye care for every member of your family.
Taking a moment for a regular eye exam with our friendly team is a simple, powerful way to care for yourself and your loved ones and protect your vision for years to come.
The right frequency for an eye exam depends on your age and overall health, but a general guideline for adults 20-64, is to have one eye exam every two years. This schedule helps monitor changes in your vision and the health of your eyes as you get older. Of course, this recommendation can change based on your personal and family health history.
Eye Exam Frequency For You & Your Family
The recommended schedule for eye exams changes throughout your life:
- Infants & Toddlers (Birth to 24 months): Their first eye examination is recommended at 6 months of age.
- Preschool Children (Ages 2 to 4): Plan for at least one children’s eye exam before starting junior kindergarten to track early development.
- School-Age Children (Ages 5 to 19): An eye exam every year is recommended to support growing eyes.
- Adults (Ages 20 to 64): It’s a good idea to book an eye exam for adults every one to two years.
- Adults (Age 65 & Older): An eye exam every 12-18 months becomes the standard to monitor for age-related conditions.
Why Your Eye Exam Matters & When You Need One More Often
An eye exam does much more than check whether your prescription has changed. Rather, it’s a comprehensive look at your eye health and even your general health.
A Check On Your Overall Health
Your eyes are a window to your body’s health. During an eye exam, an optometrist can spot changes in blood vessels that may be early indicators of other conditions. This can sometimes happen before you notice any other symptoms.
Some conditions that can show signs in the eyes include diabetes and high blood pressure. Your routine eye check is another way to look after your total well-being.
Early Detection Of Eye Conditions
Many serious eye conditions develop slowly without obvious symptoms in their initial stages. A routine exam helps catch such issues early, which is key to managing your eye health. This helps you take proactive steps toward protecting your sight.
These conditions include glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration. Regular monitoring gives you the information you need to make decisions about your care.
Reasons For More Frequent Visits
Certain risk factors may mean you can benefit from more frequent exams. If you wear glasses or contacts, an annual visit helps determine whether your prescription is still right for you. It also allows us to check that your eyes are handling contact lens wear well.
Likewise, health conditions like diabetes can directly affect your eyes. Your family history also plays a role. We can recommend a schedule that fits your unique needs.
Signs You Might Need An Eye Doctor Sooner
These guidelines are a great starting point, but sometimes your eyes tell you they need attention now. If you notice any changes in your vision or comfort, it’s a good idea to visit your optometrist right away. Don’t wait for your next scheduled visit.
Changes In Your Vision
Pay attention to new or sudden shifts in how you see the world. These symptoms are your body’s way of telling you to get your eyes checked. Listen to what your eyes are telling you.
- Blurry or double vision
- Trouble with glare or seeing at night
- New flashes of light or floaters
- Frequent headaches, especially after reading or screen time, which can be a sign of digital eye strain
Discomfort & Dry Eyes
Eye discomfort can be a sign of issues like dry eye disease—a common problem for those of us who spend a lot of time on screens.
Watch for symptoms that disrupt your day, like a scratchy feeling you can’t shake or constantly watery eyes. If these symptoms sound familiar, take our dry eye questionnaire to see if you might be a candidate for treatment.
- A scratchy or gritty feeling, like something is in your eye
- Redness or a burning sensation
- Watery eyes that seem to tear up for no reason
- Eye fatigue or a feeling of heaviness
Prepare For Your Next Optometrist Visit In St. Thomas
A little preparation can help you get the most out of your appointment. You can walk in feeling confident and ready to discuss your eye health.
What To Expect During The Exam
Your comprehensive eye exam is a straightforward and comfortable process. We focus on getting a complete picture of your vision and eye health. The appointment is all about you and your eyes.
First, we’ll chat about your health history, your family’s history, and any concerns you have. Then, we’ll test your vision to see how clearly you see at different distances. Finally, we examine the internal and external parts of your eye to check their health.
Questions For Your Optometrist
This is your time to ask questions and learn about your eyes. Preparing questions ahead of time often makes this process flow faster.
You might consider asking about lifestyle changes for eye health or ways to reduce digital eye strain. You can also ask about what the next steps are for your eye care based on the exam results.
Simple Habits For Healthy Eyes
Between your regular eye exams, small daily habits can make a big difference in protecting your vision. Try to do the following:
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes of screen time, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to give your eyes a break from screens.
- Wear sunglasses: Choose shades that block 99% or more of UVA and UVB rays when you’re outdoors. Choose lenses that incorporate the UV within the lens, and not just in a coating that can wear off on the outside of the lens.
- Eat for your eyes: Add foods like leafy greens, fish high in omega-3s, and colourful fruits to your diet. Eat the rainbow and try and reduce the consumption of processed foods.
- Use safety eyewear: Wear proper eye protection for sports, home projects, or yard work to shield your eyes from injury.
- Wash your hands: Always wash your hands before touching your eyes or handling contact lenses to avoid irritation.
Your eyesight is precious, and we are here to help you care for it. At First Optometry, we offer compassionate and thorough eye care for your entire family, from routine exams to personalized dry eye therapy. Book your next eye exam in St. Thomas and take a positive step for your health.
