Protecting your eyes, and early detection and treatment of eye problems are the best ways to take care of your vision throughout life.  Certain individuals are at greater risk for eye problems than others and may need to see an Eye M.D. more often than just routine check ups.  If you have the following risk factors you should regularly see an Eye M.D.:

• A family history of eye problems
• Are an African American over 40
• Diabetes
• A personal history of eye injury that required medical or surgical care

Infants

A pediatrician, family physician, nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant should screen a newborn’s eyes for general health.  By six months of age, all infant’s eyes should be screened by a healthcare professional, preferably an Eye M.D..
An infant should receive a comprehensive eye examination whenever there are questions or concerns about his or her eye health.  No infant is too your for an eye exam.

Before Age 5

Since it is possible for your child to have a serious problem without being aware of it, your child should have his or her eyes screened at ages three and five by an eye care professional, physician or trained screener for eye conditions such as:

• Strabismus (crossed eyes)
• Amblyopia (lazy eye)
• Ptosis (dropping of the upper eyelid)
• Refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism)

If there is a family history of vision problems or if your child appears to have any of the above conditions, speak to your Eye M.D.  right away about when and how often your child’s eyes should be screened.

Age 3 to 19

To ensure your child’s or teenager’s eyes remain health, he or she should have them screened every one to two years during regular check-up appointments.

Age 20 to 39

A complete eye exam by an Eye M.D. should occur at least once between the ages of 20 and 29 and at least twice between the ages of 30 and 39.  You should also be aware of symptoms that could point to a problem when you reach this age.  See an Eye M.D. right away if you experience any eye problems such as:

• Visual changes or pain
• Flashes of light
• Seeing spots or ghost like images
• Dark spots in your path of vision
• Lines and edges that appear distorted or wavy
• Dry eyes with itching and burning

Ages 40 to 64

Even the adult and middle age groups can be affected by eye problems. Preventive measures should be taken to protect eyes from injury and to detect disease early.  Schedule an eye exam with your Eye M.D. every two to four years when you reach this age.

65 and Older

Seniors should have comprehensive eye evaluations by their Eye M.D. every one to two years to assess eye health and diagnose any eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration.

Need More Information?

The professionals at Midwest Eye Care are ready to help.  Contact us today for an appointment or if you simply have a question about eye health, contacts or glasses.

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