Age 40 Baseline Exam
Why Do You Need More Eye Care Starting at Age 40?
Even if you are healthy, and especially if you have never seen an ophthalmologist, getting a baseline eye exam is crucial to maintaining excellent eye health for the rest of your life. Age 40 is the age when early signs of eye disease and changes in vision may first occur, even if you have seemingly perfect vision. If you have any symptoms of eye disease or are at risk for eye disease because of factors like a family history of eye disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure, your optometrist or ophthalmologist will prescribe the necessary interval for future eye exams based on the findings of this baseline exam.
Many adults around age 40 become more aware and proactive about their health. People often start measures to reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and other issues through annual physicals with their primary care physician, healthier diets, getting more exercise, and other preventative measure. Having regular eye exams to prevent potentially blinding eye disease should also be part of this overall health maintenance plan.
What are Some Common Eye Health Issues You May Experience Starting at Age 40?
An extremely common eye problem which usually starts at age 40 is presbyopia. Presbyopia is when your eyes gradually lose the ability to see things clearly up close. This condition is a normal part of aging. The term itself comes from a Greek word meaning “old eye.” Many people start to notice presbyopia shortly after their 40th birthday. One sign you might be experiencing this common condition is noticing you need to hold reading materials farther away than previously necessary in order to read or see them clearly. If you begin to have trouble seeing up close, it is time to see your eye doctor to set your baseline for future care and to see if you might need corrective lenses.
Why Trust Your Eye Care to the Marietta Eye Clinic?
For over 50 years, we have built long-term relationships with patients – seeing nearly 70,000 patients per year at our 9 metro Atlanta locations. We have numerous eye care providers – optometrists, ophthalmologists, surgeons, and specialists in LASIK, cataracts, cornea, glaucoma, retina, oculoplastics, pediatrics, and comprehensive ophthalmology. This is a powerful team of doctors who listen carefully to your needs and bring you the latest in scientific knowledge and technology. You can trust your eyes to our team.