You’ve broken out the new calendar, or at least turned the page to a new year. Are you wondering where 2008 went? None of us seems immune to this syndrome, perhaps a sign of the busyness of our culture. So, it should come as no surprise that you’ve probably underestimated how long it’s been since your last eye exam.
Not all people need a comprehensive eye health exam every year. Every two years can be adequate for people who are not considered “at risk”. Having said that, children and students may need more frequent care since their eyes are growing and changing quite rapidly. That’s why it’s important for parents and teachers be educated to recognize signs of vision problems in children.
So who needs to been seen at least annually? Those over age 60, contact lens wearers, anyone who has had eye surgery, people who take prescription or non-prescription drugs that can have ocular side effects, diabetics, anyone with high blood pressure, those who have a family history of ocular disease (such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, etc.), those who work in occupations that are visually demanding or with eye hazards, children with a high refractive error, an eye turn, or eyes with unequal refractive power, children born prematurely, with low weight, or through difficult or assisted labor, children who received oxygen as newborns, children with family history of certain diseases, and people with other health concerns or conditions. (Keep in mind this is not an exhaustive list, and some conditions require more frequent monitoring.)
After examining and talking with you, Dr. Olson will make a recommendation about how long it should be until you have your next eye health exam. Our first concern is your health, so we help you keep on track with convenient scheduling and reminders tailor-made to your situation. But we won’t be surprised if your response is, “Has it really been a year?”
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