Questions & Eyes

How Often Do I Need an Eye Exam?

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Hard Honest Conversations with Dr. Ruzicka.

Discussion on controversial and real topics; This episode gets to the bottom of how often you need an eye exam.

Dig deep into how the decision is made of when an eye exam is needed and what role do your kids play. Start a conversation with your eye care provider.----more----Helpful Links:

American Academy of Ophthalmology | Children Eye Screenings

American Academy of Ophthalmology | Frequency of Eye Exams Clinical Guide

American Academy of Ophthalmology | Eye Exams 101

Prevent Blindness | How Often to Get an Eye Exam?

American Optometric Association | Frequency of Eye Exams for Pediatrics & Adults

Prioritizing Kids Eye Health

Risk Factors for Needing an Annual Eye Exam:

  • Prematurity, low birth weight, prolonged supplemental oxygen at birth
  • Family history of ocular disease, myopia, amblyopia, strabismus, retinoblastoma, congenital cataracts, metabolic or genetic disease
  • Infection of mother during pregnancy (e.g., rubella, toxoplasmosis, venereal disease, herpes, cytomegalovirus or human immunodeficiency virus)
  • Maternal smoking, use of alcohol or illicit drug use during pregnancy
  • Cortical visual impairment
  • Difficult or assisted labor, which may be associated with fetal distress
  • High or progressive refractive error
  • Strabismus
  • Anisometropia
  • Academic performance problems
  • Known or suspected neurodevelopmental disorders
  • Systemic health conditions with potential ocular manifestations
  • Wearing contact lenses
  • Having functional vision in only one eye
  • Eye surgery or previous eye injury
  • Taking prescription or nonprescription drugs (e.g., over the counter medications, supplements, herbal remedies) with potential ocular side effects
  • Belonging to certain racial and ethnic groups (Pertains to adults)
  • Systemic health conditions with potential ocular manifestations
  • Occupations that are highly demanding visually or have a high potential of being hazardous to the eyes (welding, mechanic, and other trades)
  • Other eye-related health concerns or conditions
    • ...more
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    Questions & EyesBy Dr. Amy Ruzicka, OD