eye health RISK FACTORS
When Should I Get My Eyes Examined?
Any time you or a loved one experience problems with vision, you should have your eyes examined.
Whether due to age, certain medical conditions, or family history, some adults and children may be at higher risk for developing eye problems. Adults (and children) who have a higher risk for vision problems should visit an ophthalmologist or an optometrist to get a comprehensive, baseline exam and advice on how frequently to have follow-up exams.
Eye health risk factors include:
Age
Diabetes
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Family History of Eye Disease
some risks for children
age
As we age, problems such as glaucoma and cataracts start to become more frequent. Safe Eyes America recommends all adults at the age of 40 complete a comprehensive, baseline eye exam. Problems with glaucoma and cataracts start to become more frequent and people typically start to have problems with their near vision (presbyopia) at this age.
diabetes
All adults with diabetes, whether or not they are experiencing eye symptoms, should have their eyes examined every year, and possibly more frequently if changes from diabetes are found.
Diabetes and its effects on the eye are a leading cause of vision loss and blindness in adults. The recommended examinations can catch problems before they worsen. Early treatment—such as better blood sugar control, laser treatment, and injections—can prevent vision loss.
high blood pressure (hypertension)
If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, it’s a good idea to have an eye examination. Hypertension can cause changes to the blood vessels in the retina (the back of the eye). These changes can be detected and monitored by eye examinations. Hypertension is also a risk factor in the development or worsening of eye conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.
Family History of Eye Disease
If you have a family history of glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts at an early age, or other eye conditions, your risk of developing an eye problem may be higher than is typical. For example, a family history of glaucoma makes it 4 to 9 times more likely for someone to have glaucoma. Get to know your family eye health history and schedule an eye exam if you think you might be at risk.
some risks for children
Regular eye screenings of children by pediatricians and family doctors are a part of good well-child care. When children are older vision screenings should be performed in school. The vast majority of children do not need to have comprehensive examinations performed, saving their families time and money and saving the children from undergoing unnecessary exams.
Children should be referred to an eye physician for a comprehensive eye exam if they fail a routine screening or demonstrate risk factors of possible eye conditions. Eye health risk factors for children include:
Symptoms or observations of a problem by family or teachers.
Developmental or learning problems in school.
Diagnosed medical problems that are associated with eye disease.
Family history of eye problems that may be hereditary, like misalignment of the eyes (strabismus) or poor vision in one or both eyes (amblyopia).