EYE EXAMS
In years of working with patients there is an area of health maintenance that seems to be ignored by many people ?€“ eye examinations. I have had adults in their 50?€™s and 60?€™s tell me that they haven?€™t had an eye exam since they were in school.
To me that is unbelievable! I may have a very different viewpoint from many people as my godmother and her husband were both optometrists. Everyone in my family got our eyes examined every year.
According to the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center, infants should be examined by an ophthalmologist or pediatrician by six months of age. Children ages 1-18 should have their eyes examined every two to four years. Adult examinations of the eyes should be performed on a regular basis:
?· Young adults (age 20-49) should have their eyes examined every three to five years.
?· Adults (age 40-64) should have their eyes examined every two to four years.
?· Seniors (over 65 years of age) should have their eyes examined every one to two years.
High risk children and adults may require more frequent examinations and eye care treatment to help prevent progression of an eye disease. The American Optometric Association?€™s recommendations are on the more frequent side of those ranges.
Frequently people say that if they felt there was a problem they would get their eyes checked. The tricky thing about eye conditions is that they can sneak up on you without any symptoms at all, or symptoms that are easily attributable to other things, i.e. ?€?I?€™m tired?€?, ?€?I did a lot of reading?€?, etc.
Do me and yourself a favor and get your eyes checked if it?€™s been longer than the recommended time for your age group. If at all possible, go to a practitioner that has an Optomap machine (see health tip from June 20, 06 also available on our blog page). You?€™ll have a very thorough picture of your eye health without needing to have ?€?the drops?€? used in your eyes (another excuse people use for not wanting to go).
There are many competent eye doctors. If you live locally, I have used Dr. Joseph Hatala since we moved to Florida in the late 80?€™s and I?€™ve been very happy with his exams and willingness to answer my questions. His office number in the Countryside Mall is 727-669-6369.
Our ability to see is such an important asset to keep going well. The small price to pay for a complete eye exam is totally worth it even if you don?€™t have insurance to cover it. (Another excuse I?€™ve heard a lot.)
~Susan