Eye Doctors
Eye doctors are ophthalmologists—(MD), or optometrists—(OD),
who specialize in eye and vision care. Eye doctors are specially trained
to provide the full spectrum of eye care, from prescribing glasses
and contact lenses to complex and delicate eye surgery. Early detection
and treatment of eye problems and protecting your eyes from accidental
injury are the best ways to take care of your vision throughout life.
Read below to see when you and your family should visit an MD or OD
for a complete eye examination.
You should be aware of symptoms that could indicate a problem. See
an eye physician if you or your child experience any eye problems
such as:
- Pain / redness
- Visual changes
- Flashes of light
- Seeing spots or ghost-like images
- Lines appear distorted or wavy
- Dry eyes, itching, or burning
If you have any of these risk factors for eye problems, you may
need to see your eye doctor more often than recommended below:
- Family history of eye disease
- African-American over 40
- Diabetes
- History of eye injury
Speak to your
eye doctor promptly
about when and how often your
child’s eyes should be examined: |
Before Age 3
Since it is possible for your child to have a serious vision problem
without being aware of it, your child should have his or her eyes
screened during regular pediatric appointments. Vision testing by
an eye doctor is recommended for all children starting around 3 years
of age.
If there is a family history of vision problems or if your child appears
to have any of the following conditions,
- Strabismus (crossed eyes)
- Amblyopia (lazy eye)
- Ptosis (drooping of the upper eyelid)
Age 3 to 19
To ensure your child or teenager’s eyes remain healthy, he
or she should have his or her eyes screened every one to two years
during regular pediatric check-ups and by an eye doctor at ages
5 and 10.
Age 20 to 39
Most young adults have healthy eyes but still need to take care
of their vision by wearing protective eyewear when playing sports,
doing yard work, working with chemicals, or taking part in other
activities that could cause eye injury.
Have a complete eye exam at least once between the ages of 20 and
29 and at least twice between the ages of 30 and 39.
Age 40 to 64
The adult and middle-aged groups can be affected by eye problems.
Preventive measures should be taken to protect eyes from injury
and detect disease early. Schedule an eye exam with your eye physician
every two to four years.
Age 65 and over
Seniors age 65 and over should have complete eye exams by their
eye doctor every one to two years to look for cataracts, glaucoma,
age related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and other
conditions.
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