Taking Care of Your Eyes at Ages 55-64 by Allison Dublin, M.D.

Your vision is an essential part of your quality of life. Although most vision loss can be prevented if caught early, many people don’t get eye exams as often as recommended. Proper preventative care will give you the upper hand in the effort to keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear.

How Often Most People Ages 55-64 Need Eye Exams

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. Optometrists and ophthalmologists conduct comprehensive eye examinations to check for damage from health conditions such as diabetes and to check for eye diseases that can lead to blindness, such as glaucoma and cataracts. You may not notice symptoms of some eye diseases until the disease is advanced. The more advanced an eye disease is, the more challenging it can be to slow progression or prevent permanent visual damage. Regular eye exams help you and your ophthalmologist detect problems at their earliest stage possible, when they are the most treatable.

People Ages 55-64 Who May Need Eye Exams More Often

Comprehensive eye exams allow your ophthalmologist to detect diseases at their earliest stage possible, when they are most treatable. Just as your systemic health is unique to you, the same goes for your ocular health. 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 stage an ocular disease is in, the more challenging it can be to slow progression or prevent permanent visual damage.

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

• You wear glasses or contact lenses
• You have a known ophthalmic disease
• You have a family history of eye disease or loss of vision
• You have a chronic disease that puts you at 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

Routine eye exams have been proven to help combat eye disease, visual impairment, and blindness. Keep in mind the guidance above, and visit your local ophthalmologist more frequently if you are at a higher risk of developing disease, if you have personal history of visual problems or disease, or if you have a family history of eye disease.

See Dr. Dublin’s Full Bio Here

Don’t Put Off Scheduling an Appointment

Routine eye exams have been proven to help combat eye disease, visual impairment, and total blindness. Keep in mind the guidance above and reach out to your local optometrist or ophthalmologist more frequently if you are at a higher risk of developing disease, if you have personal history of visual issues or disease, or if your family has a history of eye disease. It may save your vision.

More About Allison Dublin, M.D.

Dr. Dublin is an ophthalmologist with the Marietta Eye Clinic who specializes in glaucoma and cataracts. Dr. Dublin received her undergraduate degree in biology from the University of Texas and her medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center. Dr. Dublin is a member of the American Glaucoma Society, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Medical Association, the Houston Ophthalmological Society, the Texas Medical Association, and the Texas Ophthalmological Association. Read her full bio here.

References and Additional Resources

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, optometric professionals, and optometry students.

Eye Exam

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/eye-exam/about/pac-20384655

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