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How Often Should I Have an Eye Exam ?

At a complete eye exam, called a dilated eye exam, the eye doctor widens the pupil of the eye with eye drops to allow a closer look at the inside of the eye. This exam may not be part of an eye exam for a new pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses. Be sure to ask your eye doctor for a dilated eye exam. We recommends that everyone receive a comprehensive eye exam through dilated pupils regularly as recommended by your eye doctor. In general, the recommended frequency of comprehensive eye examinations for people without
symptoms or special risk factors is:

Age Caucasian African-American
20-39 Every 3 - 5 years Every 2 - 4 years
40-64 Every 2 - 4 years Every 2 - 4 years
65 or older Every 1 - 2 years Every 1 - 2 years

Eye Problems and Diseases
  • Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

    • About 13 million Americans have signs of this sight-threatening disease, the world's number-one cause of blindness.

  • Allergies

    • Itchy, red, swollen, tearing eyes are key signs of allergies. Get tips on relief.

  • Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)

    • Amblyopia usually develops in young children and can mean permanent visual dysfunction if not diagnosed and treated early in life.

  • Astigmatism

    • Don't despair: this form of distorted vision is usually correctable with eyeglasses, contact lenses or refractive surgery. Also see our Eye Doctor Q&A on astigmatism.

  • Blepharitis

    • Inflammation of the eyelids can cause chronic eye irritation, tearing, foreign body sensation and crusty debris. Learn about the best treatments.

  • Cataracts and Cataract Surgery

    • If you live long enough, you are likely to get a cataract, which causes cloudy vision. Fortunately, cataract removal is a routine procedure — learn about it here. Also see our news about cataracts for the latest research, our FAQs, and Ask the Cataract Surgeon, plus the latest new intraocular lenses (IOLs) that can help you see at all distances.

  • CMV Retinitis

    • About 80% of adults have been exposed to the cytomegalovirus (CMV), but it mostly affects people with poor immune systems, such as AIDS patients.

  • Color Blindness

    • Learn about the different types of color deficiency and how to cope in a color-coded world.

  • Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

    • Ask our doctors what you can do about the redness, swelling, itching and tearing of pink eye, plus how to stop re-infecting yourself.

  • Diabetic Retinopathy

    • Diabetes causes retinal degradation that can be sight-threatening. Also read our Eye Doctor Q&A on how diabetes affects your eyes and our FAQs.

  • Dry Eye Syndrome

    • Why eyes get dry, and the problems that can result. Drops, special plugs, even nutritional supplements can help restore the moisture your eyes need. Also read our Eye Doctor Q&A on dry eyes and the best contact lenses for them.

  • Floaters and Spots

    • They're usually harmless, but they can also be signs of a serious problem, such as a detached retina.

  • Glaucoma

    • A damaged optic nerve and a diminishing field of vision result from glaucoma. Learn about the latest research and other glaucoma news. Also read our Eye Doctor Q&A on glaucoma and our FAQs. You can also take an online glaucoma screening self-exam.

  • Hyperopia (Farsightedness)

    • If you're hyperopic, you may see better from a distance than up close, or your vision may be blurred at all distances.

  • Keratoconus

    • Special contact lenses can help people with thinning, bulging corneas to see better. Also read our Eye Doctor Q&A on keratoconus.

  • Macular Degeneration (AMD)

    • An estimated 13 million Americans have signs of this sight-threatening disease, the world's number one cause of blindness. But medical researchers are working on it — find out what's new in AMD research. Also read our Eye Doctor Q&A on macular degeneration and our FAQs.

  • Miscellaneous Vision Problems

    • Can't find your topic here? Try the Eye Doctor Q&A, where our advisory board members have answered all kinds of questions about the eyes. Or check the Eye Symptoms A to Z list.

  • Myopia (Nearsightedness)

    • About a third of the population can see fine up close, but distant objects are a blur.

  • New Products for the Eyes

    • From eye drops to vitamins to eyewear accessories, here are the newest vision care products for making your life easier — and healthier.

  • Ocular Hypertension

    • Elevated eye pressure has no symptoms, but it is easily detected in an eye exam. Take care of it before it develops into glaucoma.

  • Photophobia (Light Sensitivity)

    • Lots of eye conditions can be the underlying cause of bothersome light sensitivity.

  • Presbyopia

    • Greek for "elder eye," presbyopia means difficulty see close up for those in their 40s and older.

  • Ptosis (Drooping Eyelid)

    • Your eyelids don't have to droop; find out about surgery to correct them.

  • Retinal Detachment

    • Flashes of lights and floating spots are classic warning signs of a detached retina, so get this checked out right away. Also read our Eye Doctor Q&A on retinal problems.

  • Retinitis Pigmentosa

    • Poor night vision and an ever-narrowing field of vision beginning in childhood herald this rare hereditary disorder. Can Vitamin A help? Also read our Eye Doctor Q&A on retinal problems.

  • Strabismus

    • Misaligned eyes can mean not only crossed eyes but also eyes that point outward, upward or downward. There are remedies for strabismus.

  • Styes

    • Learn the best ways to get rid of these unpleasant little bumps in a hurry.

  • Uveitis

    • Inflammation of the uvea can be painful and may cause light sensitivity, floaters, and blurred vision. Learn about symptoms and treatment.

    © All Rights Reserved 2006. My Optician inc. New York.