The relationship between vision and the brain is pretty interesting. The brain adapts to accommodate visual changes unless they are too dramatic or sudden. That can trick you into assuming your eyesight is just fine when in fact, you require a new corrective eyewear prescription. That is why eye doctors recommend regular comprehensive eye exams.
 

You probably lead a busy life. Between your family, career, friends, and personal goals, it might seem like you do not have time for much else. The more mundane tasks may start to pile up.
 

Do you need to schedule regular eye exams with everything you have on your plate? The simple answer is yes. If it has been years since you last had a comprehensive eye exam, you should schedule an appointment as soon as possible. 
 

What Is an Eye Exam?

An eye exam involves a variety of tests to check for eye diseases and evaluate your eyesight. Your eye doctor will likely shine bright lights into your eyes, use various instruments, and ask you to look through a series of lenses. The purpose of each test is to evaluate a specific aspect of your eye and vision health. 
 

Importance of Eye Exams

Eye doctors build their eye exams around education and prevention, two central pillars of eye care. Eye exams can help your eye doctor catch vision and eye conditions that may have no outward symptoms until eye damage or vision loss occurs. 
 

They can also offer valuable insight into diseases and conditions affecting other parts of your body. So, it would be best if you did not wait until something goes wrong to schedule an appointment with an eye doctor. Preventing eye and vision problems is often easier than treating them.
 

How Often Do You Need Eye Exams?

The frequency of your comprehensive eye exams will depend on your health, age, and other variables. Generally, the American Optometric Association recommends getting an eye exam every one or two years for people between 18 and 64. You are more likely to develop cataracts and other eye conditions as you age. That is why eye care professionals recommend annual eye exams for those over 65. 
 

If you have a family history of health issues or eye problems that affect vision, eye doctors recommend more frequent checkups. For example, people living with diabetes should get regular eye exams. 
 

Recommended Schedule 

If you do not have any eye or vision problems, most eye doctors recommend regular checkups based on your age as follows:
 

• Kids three years and younger: At six months of age and another one at age three.
• Age three to five: At least one comprehensive exam between ages three to five.
• Age six to 17: Before first grade and annually after that.
• Age 18 to 39: At least every two years.
• Age 40 to 64: At least every two years.
• 65 years and older: Every year.

Your eye and vision health and your partnership with your eye doctor are as unique as your eyes. So, the recommendations above are just guidelines. Your eye doctor may suggest a different examination schedule to meet your specific ocular needs.
 

For more on eye exams, visit the Eye Center of Virginia at our office in Williamsburg, Virginia. Call (757) 919-3500 to schedule an appointment today.