How Do You Take Care of Your Vision at Ages 55-64?

By Dr. Kelly Arnhart

Quality vision and excellent eye health are foundational to enjoying a high quality of life. Early detection is vital to prevent vision loss as you age. Vision changes occur and risks for various eye diseases increase over your lifetime. High-quality and comprehensive eye exams by qualified eye doctors are vital to keeping track of your vision quality and any eye diseases potentially developing. We have many options with modern medicine to prevent and treat eye problems and disease. Poor vision can be improved allowing full access to all life has to offer. For your best eye health at ages 55-64, how often should you get an eye exam?

How Often Do You Need to Schedule Eye Exams at Ages 55-64?

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that people between the ages of 55 and 64 who have no symptoms of eye disease and who see clearly have a comprehensive eye examination at least every 1 to 3 years. Comprehensive eye exams involve more than checking your vision for glasses and contacts. Eye doctors use eye examinations to check for damage from health conditions such as diabetes and to check for eye diseases which can lead to blindness, such as glaucoma and cataracts.

Often, the symptoms of eye diseases developing may not even be noticeable. As eye disease or problems advance and become worse, slowing progression or preventing permanent damage to your eyes and vision becomes more difficult. Regular eye exams help you and your eye doctor detect problems at the earliest stage possible, when they are the most treatable.

What Increases the Need for Eye Exams in People Ages 55-64?

A variety of factors may affect the health of your eyes. Unfortunately, you may not notice symptoms of certain eye diseases until they are in an advanced stage. The more advanced an eye disease becomes, the more challenging it can be to slow progression or prevent permanent vision damage.

The 1- to 3-year recommendation applies to individuals ages 55 to 64 who present no symptoms or disease risk factors. The following risk factors may lead your eye doctor to recommend you increase the frequency of eye exams:

You wear glasses
You have a known eye disease
You have a chronic disease that puts you at a greater risk of eye disease, such as diabetes
You take medications that may have the potential to cause serious eye-related side effects, such as steroids or hydroxychloroquine
You take medications that may have the potential to cause serious eye-related side effects, such as steroids or hydroxychloroquine

Schedule an eye Exam for great eye health

Routine, comprehensive eye exams have been proven by medical research to help combat eye disease and vision loss. Schedule an appointment with a Thomas Eye Group licensed eye doctor today to care for your vision and eye health properly.

You should visit your local eye doctor more frequently if you are at a higher risk of developing disease, if you have personal health history of visual problems or disease, or if you have a family history of eye disease.

About Kelly Arnhart, OD

Kelly N. Arnhart, O.D. is a Board-licensed comprehensive optometrist. Dr. Arnhart offers a range of services including comprehensive eye exams with prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses, and treatment of various ocular conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic eye disease among others.

References

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) is the world’s largest association of eye physicians and surgeons. It describes itself as a “global community of 32,000 medical doctors who protect sight and empower lives by setting the standards for ophthalmic education and advocating for our patients and the public.” Its website is a great resource to learn more about how to care for your eyes.

The American Optometric Association (AOA) describes itself as the leading authority on quality care and an advocate for our nation’s health, representing more than 44,000 doctors of optometry (O.D.), optometric professionals, and optometry students.

Eye Exam and Vision Testing Basics
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/eye-exams-101

Frequency of Ocular Examinations – 2015
https://www.aao.org/clinical-statement/frequency-of-ocular-examinations