Regular eye exams are essential for maintaining eye health and detecting potential issues early. The frequency of these exams is dependent on age and systemic health conditions.
Here’s a short guide on when to schedule your eye check-up by Dr Kruti Shah, Cataract, Cornea & Refractive Surgeon, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital with Foresight Eye Centre & Glaucoma Clinic, Girgaon, Mumbai.
Under 18 years
Initial Exam: At 6 months to check for issues like amblyopia and strabismus.
Follow-up Exams: At age 3 and before starting school (around age 5-6).
Routine Exams: Every 1-2 years if healthy, or 6 monthly if wearing glasses/contact lenses or at risk for other eye problems.
18–39 years
Routine Exams: Every 2 years for those with no vision problems or risk factors.
40–64 years
Routine Exams: Start annual exams at age 40 to check for age- issues like presbyopia.
65 years & above
Routine Exams: Annual exams to detect age- conditions like cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.
Certain health conditions increase the risk of eye problems, requiring more frequent exams.
Diabetes Mellitus
Annual Routine Examination to detect diabetic retinopathy.
3 monthly or 6 monthly as prescribed by your eye doctor: If diabetic retinopathy is present or if the diabetes is poorly controlled.
Hypertension
Annual Routine Examination, as high blood pressure can damage the eyes.
6-monthly Examination: If the eyes are affected due to hypertension.
Autoimmune Diseases (e.g., Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis)
Annual Routine Examination to monitor dry eyes, inflammation, or retinal issues.
More Frequent Exams: If you are on medications like steroids as they may cause glaucoma or cataracts.
Thyroid Disorders (e.g., Graves’ Disease)
Annual Routine Examination, as thyroid disorders can cause bulging of the eyes and dryness.
More Frequent Examination if symptoms worsen or thyroid levels fluctuate.
Cancer and Cancer Treatments
Routine Exams: Every 6 months to 1 year during cancer treatment (chemo or radiation) to detect potential eye- side effects like cataracts or dry eyes.
More Frequent Exams: If vision problems occur during treatment.
Vision Changes: Seek an eye exam immediately if you experience sudden vision changes (e.g., blurriness, double vision, or difficulty seeing at night).
Family History: If you have a family history of eye diseases like glaucoma or retinal degeneration, earlier and more frequent examinations may be necessary.
Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect vision, so an eye exam is recommended if needed, especially if you develop Gestational Diabetes or Pre-eclampsia.
Regular check-ups are important for maintaining eye health and preventing vision problems, especially for those with systemic disorders. Consult your eye doctor today and schedule your check-up.
