Medical Update August 2024

Medical Guide, August 2024— 15 Eye exam recommendation schedules R outine eye exams should be a vital component of every- one’s healthcare routine. Such examinations can help people learn if they need prescription eye- glasses and if their ex- isting prescriptions need to be updated, and they also can uncover other serious health issues. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology¨, a com- prehensive eye exam can uncover such problems as aneurysms, brain tumors, diabetes, high blood pressure, and as- sorted cancers, including those of the blood, tissue or skin. That means rou- tine eye exams can be as e ff ective at safeguarding your overall health as they can at protecting your vision. The recommended frequency with which people should receive eye exams is based largely on age, though no one should hesitate to schedule an exam if their eyes are bothering them or if they are expe- riencing any abnormal- ities with their eyes. In addition, some people may need more frequent eye exams depending on their medical histories, which should be dis- cussed at length with a physician. Children and adults without preexisting con- ditions and those not ex- periencing any abnormal vision problems can ad- here to this eye examina- tion schedule, courtesy of the American Optomet- ric Association. • Birth to two years: Children in this age group should receive eye exams between six to 12 months of age. • Age three to fi ve: Children in this age group should receive at least one eye exam be- tween their third and fi fth birthdays. • Age six to 17 years: Children in this age group should receive one eye exam prior to be- ginning fi rst grade and then an annual exam thereafter. • Age 18 to 64: Adults between the ages of 18 and 64 should re- ceive an eye exam at least once every two years. • Age 65 and older: Annual eye exams are recommended for men and women age 65 and older. Eye examinations help people preserve and improve their vi- sion while also promot- ing long-term overall health. These vital com- ponents of healthy life- styles should not be over- looked. cian. Children and adults without preexisting con- ditions and those not ex- periencing any abnormal vision problems can ad- here to this eye examina- tion schedule, courtesy of the American Optomet- ric Association. • Birth to two years: Children in this age group should receive eye exams between six to 12 months of age. • Age three to fi ve: Children in this age group should receive at least one eye exam be- tween their third and fi fth birthdays. • Age six to 17 years: Children in this age group should receive one eye exam prior to beginning fi rst grade and then an annual exam thereafter. • Age 18 to 64: Adults between the ages of 18 and 64 should re- ceive an eye exam at least once every two years. • Age 65 and older: Annual eye exams are recommended for men and women age 65 and older. Eye examinations help people preserve and improve their vi- sion while also pro- moting long-term over- all health. These vital components of healthy lifestyles should not be overlooked.