Caring for Your Eyes at Ages 55-64 by Jordan Stanley, M.D.

Each stage of your life necessitates different types and frequency of ocular examinations and care. To ensure your eyes stay healthy and you retain the best vision possible, take a few minutes and review the information below. Your eyes will reward you with a lifetime of excellent sight if you provide them the care they need.

How Often You Need Eye Exams

The American Academy of Ophthalmology and the doctors at the Marietta Eye Clinic recommend that if you are age 55-64 you have a comprehensive eye examination at least every 1 to 3 years. This frequency guidance is for you if you do not have any symptoms of eye disease present and if you are seeing clearly. Comprehensive eye examinations are much more than checking your vision for a need to use glasses and contacts (refraction). Optometrists and ophthalmologists conduct comprehensive eye examinations to check for damage from health conditions such as diabetes and to check specifically for eye diseases that can lead to blindness, such as glaucoma and cataracts.

See Dr. Stanley’s Full Bio Here

When to Get Eye Exams More Often

Eye exams help you and your doctor detect eye problems and diseases at their earliest stage, when they are at their most treatable state or level. Your health situation is unique to you, and the same goes for your eye health. Your vision and ocular health at any given time are a unique combination of factors. Regular comprehensive exams help you work with your eye doctor to meet your individual ocular health needs and help your doctor know how to guide you in maintaining great eye health and clear, sharp vision.

Some eye disease symptoms may not present until the disease is advanced, which presents challenges in slowing progression or facing permanent visual damage. The guidelines above apply to individuals 55-64 who present no symptoms or disease risk factors – especially with serious disease diagnosis such as diabetes and any family history of major disease or eye disease, specifically.

Here are some major reasons to increase the frequency of eye exams from every 1-3 years during the 55-64 age years of your life:

• If you wear glasses or contact lenses
• If you have a family history of eye disease or loss of vision
• If you have a chronic disease that puts you at greater risk of eye disease, such as diabetes
• If you take medications that may have serious eye side effects, such as prednisone or plaquenil

Routine eye exams have been proven to help combat major eye health issues and prevent 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, if your family has a history of eye disease, or if you are a race with specific risks of increased disease. There are times a disease may be progressing even if you don’t notice any particular symptoms.

More About Jordan Stanley, M.D.

Dr. Stanley is an ophthalmologist with the Marietta Eye Clinic who offers comprehensive care and specializes in cataracts and glaucoma. He serves the Kennestone, West Cobb, and Acworth locations. He received his undergraduate degree in biology from Harding University and his medical degree from the University of Arkansas College of Medicine. He is a member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, the American Glaucoma Society, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Read his 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