When should you be seen?

Children should be checked for the first time before starting school, but sooner if they have any suggestion of eye problems. When they are in school, they should be checked routinely every three to four years (annually if they have eye problems or wear glasses).

Between the ages of 20 and 40, adults should be checked depending upon their need and visual symptoms.
Beginning at about age 40, they should be checked every two years; and from 60 on, approximately once a year.

Patients with diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, family history of glaucoma or other eye disease should be checked annually or more often if they are having problems.  Any sudden changes or loss of vision or other visual disturbance, warrants an eye exam.