Wondering how often you should schedule an eye exam? Regular eye exams are key for maintaining healthy vision at every age, from children needing clear sight for learning, to adults monitoring for age-related conditions. My Optometrist in Calgary & Three Hills provides personalized eye care for every stage of life, helping you stay proactive about your vision health. From infants to seniors, we offer comprehensive eye exams, advanced screenings, and custom treatments like Neurolens® therapy to meet each patient’s unique needs. Visit us at our Sunridge and Sundance locations in Calgary or in Three Hills, Alberta, and let our experienced eye care team help you see now and in the years to come. Book your eye exam today!
Regular eye exams are essential at every stage of life when it comes to maintaining good vision and overall eye health. Whether caring for young children, managing your vision needs, or supporting older family members, understanding how often to see an eye doctor can make all the difference. My Optometrist in Calgary & Three Hills prioritizes comprehensive eye care to help individuals and families stay proactive about their eye health. Here, we break down how frequently you should schedule eye exams based on age, so you can keep your eyes healthy for years to come.
Eye Exams for Infants and Toddlers
Eye health starts early, and the first eye exam is essential during infancy. The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends that infants have their first comprehensive eye exam between six and nine months of age. Babies undergo rapid eye development, and early screenings can help detect vision issues like strabismus (crossed eyes), amblyopia (lazy eye), and other early vision concerns that, if untreated, may affect their learning and development.
Parents should note that while pediatricians perform basic eye screenings, a comprehensive exam with an optometrist provides a more in-depth assessment of a child’s eye health. At My Optometrist in Calgary & Three Hills, our team offers compassionate care to make early exams easy and comfortable for young children, setting them on a path toward good vision.
Eye Care for Children and Teenagers
For children aged 3 to 5, another eye exam is recommended, followed by regular exams once a year during the school years. These are critical ages for identifying conditions that can impact academic performance and daily activities. Studies show that 25% of school-age children have vision problems that could affect their learning and social interactions. An annual eye exam with an eye doctor can identify issues like myopia (nearsightedness) and other refractive errors early, so they can be corrected promptly.
Regular eye exams for children are particularly important given the increasing amount of screen time and close-up work involved in today’s learning environments. Our eye doctors at My Optometrist provide vision screenings for children to ensure they’re seeing clearly and comfortably at school and at play.
Adults Aged 18 to 39: Prioritizing Eye Health
Once into adulthood, people often overlook their eye health until problems arise. For adults aged 18 to 39, eye exams are recommended every two years if no existing vision issues or eye conditions are present. However, if you wear contact lenses, glasses, or have specific concerns like dry eye syndrome, you may need to visit more frequently. Regular eye exams help to monitor and detect any early signs of vision deterioration or conditions like glaucoma, which may develop with few noticeable symptoms initially.
For those considering corrective options, such as contact lenses or vision therapy, My Optometrist in Calgary & Three Hills offers personalized care, so you can feel confident in your choices and maintain optimal vision health.
Eye Exams for Adults Aged 40 to 64
As we age, our eyes become more susceptible to a variety of issues. Starting around age 40, the likelihood of developing age-related eye conditions, such as presbyopia (difficulty focusing on close objects), increases. It’s recommended that adults between 40 and 64 schedule eye exams at least every two years or annually if they experience any symptoms of vision changes.
Conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) often progress with age, sometimes without initial symptoms. Detecting these conditions early through regular visits to the eye doctor can greatly impact long-term vision health. At My Optometrist, we provide thorough screenings for these conditions, so our patients can make informed choices and take steps to protect their eyesight.
Seniors Aged 65 and Older: Annual Eye Exams are Essential
For seniors aged 65 and older, annual eye exams are critical. Seniors face a higher risk of developing serious eye conditions that, if left untreated, could lead to vision loss. Regular eye exams allow our optometrists to monitor for cataracts, glaucoma, AMD, and diabetic retinopathy, which is common among individuals with diabetes.
With an aging population, seniors in Calgary and Three Hills can count on My Optometrist to provide compassionate, expert care that prioritizes comfort and safety. Our eye doctors are dedicated to helping seniors maintain independence and quality of life through proactive eye care, so they can enjoy the benefits of clear vision as long as possible.
What to Expect During Your Eye Exam at My Optometrist
During a comprehensive eye exam, our team at My Optometrist assesses not only your prescription needs but also the overall health of your eyes. This includes a detailed check for refractive errors (such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism), as well as an examination of the eye’s internal structures to detect any early signs of disease. For children, teens, and adults alike, eye exams are tailored to specific needs and age-related conditions, ensuring that everyone receives the best eye care possible.
Stay Ahead with Regular Eye Exams at Every Age
Routine eye exams play a crucial role in maintaining clear, healthy vision and preventing eye-related issues at every stage of life. From infants to seniors, having a trusted eye doctor can make all the difference in achieving lifelong eye health. My Optometrist in Calgary and Three Hills provides personalized, attentive care, offering services like contact lens fittings, dry eye treatments, and advanced vision solutions for patients of all ages.
If it’s time for an eye exam, visit us at our Sunridge and Sundance locations in Calgary or in Three Hills, Alberta. Contact My Optometrist today to schedule an appointment and take a proactive step in preserving your vision for years to come!
FAQ’s
Q: Why are regular eye exams important for children and teens?
A: Regular eye exams help identify issues like nearsightedness and other vision problems that can affect learning and social interactions. Annual exams are recommended.
Q: How often should seniors get an eye exam?
A: Seniors aged 65 and older should have annual eye exams to monitor for age-related conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.
Q: Do I need an eye exam if I have perfect vision?
A: Yes, regular eye exams are still important to check for underlying conditions that may not have noticeable symptoms but can impact eye health over time. Contact My Optometrist today to schedule an appointment!