Eye examinations are key to detecting vision problems early, benefitting your overall health and functional well-being. We follow the exam frequency guidelines set by the American Optometric Association.
Birth to Age 2
Your child’s first eye exam should occur between 6 and 12 months of age. Your pediatrician will do the exam and make a recommendation to a pediatric ophthalmologist if your child’s eyes turn in or out, if your child exhibits trouble seeing, or if their tear ducts are blocked. Parents of pre-mature infants will be advised about eye appointments and vision concerns soon after children are born. Parents are usually the first to notice problems with their child’s vision and should bring issues to the attention of their pediatrician.
Ages 3 to 5
Your child’s second examination should take place between the ages of 3 and 5 years old. Your child’s pediatrician should assess their vision. Children may also encounter their first screening at preschool or kindergarten.
Ages 6 to 12
When your child reaches school age, they should get an eye exam yearly. Voss Eyecare begins to see children of school age. School screenings are helpful in determining if your child has vision problems. However, school screenings do not detect all vision needs and are not adequate to prescribe eyeglasses.
Parents should consider if their child complains of headaches, has trouble seeing in the classroom, or is squinting. Sometimes disruptive behavior may be a sign your child needs eyeglasses. Children may also need to be seen more frequently than once a year if their vision is changing.
Regarding school age children, the use of tablets, overhead lighting, mobile phones, and classroom screens may also be affecting your child’s vision by causing eye strain. There are methods to mediate these effects with blue light lenses or anti-reflective lens features with or without the need for a prescription.
Contact Lenses for Children
As you child grows, they may want contact lenses besides eyeglasses. Dr. Voss will help determine when your child is the appropriate age and responsible for wearing contact lenses. Remember, contact lenses should never be solely what is used for vision correction, since eyeglasses are still necessary. See our contact lens section for more information.
Ages 18 to 64
Adults over 18 should have a complete eye exam every two years. The frequency of eye exams for adults may be yearly if there are conditions like diabetes, age-related presbyopia, glaucoma, the start of cataracts, or other medical vision issues.
Annual eye exams are necessary for anyone wearing contact lenses in order to renew prescriptions.
Ages 65+
Seniors should see their eye doctor for an exam every year.
At Voss Eyecare, we know that every one of our patients has different needs and preferences. This is why we will work with you and your family members to create a customized exam schedule. We can also advise you about your insurance coverage to be sure your eyes are always a priority.