Even if you do not suffer from eye problems, you should still go for eye tests on a regular basis. The frequency of the tests depends on your age, not forgetting to visit a specialist immediately if any symptoms should appear.
- During the first few days or weeks after birth
- Once the child reaches 4 years of age
- From 6 to 12 years
- From 13 to 18 years
- From 19 to 40
- 40 years and up
- 60 years and up
During the first few days or weeks after birth, the eye doctor must perform an initial eye exam to determine whether the baby suffers from any defects or congenital disorders. After this initial diagnosis, the paediatrician must then carry out regular examinations to detect cases of amblyopia (lazy eye) or strabismus (squinting).
It is highly recommendable that they visit an ophthalmologist for a full eye examination, including a visual acuity test.
During this period, the child should be given regular preventive checks at least every two years. Be aware that at this age, refractive defects such as myopia, hypermetropia and astigmatism can impede the child's ocular development, therefore it is essential that the parents try to detect any sight problems in their children as soon as possible.
The most significant changes are caused by myopia. For this reason, it is advisable to visit the ophthalmologist every year for an eye test. If the patient suffers from hypermetropia, it is important to use effective correction measures such as glasses or contact lenses to prevent headaches. Although the latter are preferred by adolescents for aesthetic reasons, specialists only recommend the use of contacts depending on the patient’s lifestyle (practising sports, etc.) and level of development. Furthermore, the use of contact lenses requires great responsibility, given that without regular cleaning, they can cause infections and other irreversible consequences in the cornea.
Strength defects tend to stabilise, making this the most important stage in life in which to permanently resolve problems related to myopia, hypermetropia or astigmatism. The best eye clinics offer laser treatment (LASIK) to correct such problems, which can cause blurred vision and ultimately lead to the discomfort of wearing glasses or contact lenses.
Good eye care must be increased in late adulthood. Specialists recommend visiting an eye doctor once every two or three years, since at this stage of life there is s greater risk of suffering from problems such as eyestrain or presbyopia (far-sightedness). The most common symptoms of this defect include the need to increase reading distance and difficulty in performing precise or “fiddly” jobs. There are two solutions for dealing with eyestrain: the use of glasses and corrective laser eye surgery (combined vision).
The probability of becoming affected by eye problems is even greater from 60 years of age and up, which is why specialists advise a visit to an eye doctor every 12 to 24 months. The most common problems at this age include cataracts, glaucoma and retinopathy, all of which are relatively severe. In the case of cataracts, the only corrective treatment available is surgery, since with medicines, vitamin supplements, optical aides or exercises they can be neither prevented nor cured.
