Early detection of vision problems can mean the all the difference in the world - the
sighted world versus the world of darkness. Each year, many people experience a
decrease in vision due to progressive diseases or conditions of the eye. Often, there are no
symptoms indicating that something is wrong, as with glaucoma. Therefore, to insure the
health of your eyes, a thorough examination by a skilled eye doctor is essential to
safeguard your sight.
When no diseases or conditions of the eye are present, and in the absence of any
predisposing factors, individuals under forty should usually have an eye examination
every two years. Individuals over forty face an increased incidence of several conditions
that can jeopardize sight; therefore, an eye examination every year is strongly
recommended. Again, it is important that people who have symptoms, black Americans,
and individuals who have a family history of eye disease should be seen more frequently.
Note though that any individual with an unusual risk for the development of disease, based
on past history, family history, age or race should have periodic examinations as
determined by the ophthalmologist based on the particular risks, even if no symptoms are
present. Intervals can be much shorter in the presence or concern of diseases such as
glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy or acute infections. It is up to your eye care provider to
determine the appropriate length of time between eye exams. Current recommendations
for a routine and non-symptomatic comprehensive eye examination for "low-risk"
individuals include:
- All children within the first few months of life. This is primarily for the evaluation of
neurological and muscular function as well as a gross vision evaluation of the eye.
- Children by age 3 years old. Comprehensive eye exam.
- Children upon entering school (approximately 5 years of age). Comprehensive eye
exam.
- School Age to 19: at 1 to 2 year intervals unless symptomatic.
- Ages 20 - 39: at 2 year intervals except in situations with other medical diseases.
- At age 40 there should be a "baseline" comprehensive eye exam.
- Over 40 there should be a comprehensive eye exam every year, even if not
symptomatic.
Non-routine, and symptom-prompted examinations can be classified as either Emergency
or Non-Emergency. Some basic guidelines follow but Pasadena Eye Associates will
accommodate ANY such situation:
Emergency
The recent onset of blurred vision, double vision, distorted vision, loss of peripheral vision,
increase in number or size of floaters, flashing lights in peripheral vision, increase in light
sensitivity, pain upon movement of the eyes, any discharge or bleeding, halos around
lights, pain upon closure or opening of eyelids requires immediate attention.
Non-Emergency
Gradual loss of ability to focus on near objects, blurred distance vision after concentrated
near vision activities or the reverse, change in quality of vision with existing eyeglasses or
contact lenses, headaches or eyestrain, especially after near vision tasks are classified as
non-emergency examination.
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