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September is back-to-school time - and a great time to think about getting
your entire family's eyes checked.
Many people think eye problems only happen to older people, but there are
many eye conditions that can affect people in all stages of life, even
childhood. Some of the eye conditions that can threaten a child's vision,
such as amblyopia or strabismus, are hard to detect. If caught before the
age of 6, they are usually treatable. Therefore, children should have a
complete eye exam during their preschool years.
Most young adults have healthy eyes, but accidental injury is one of the
leading causes of vision loss in this group.
Sports, yard work, harsh chemicals, jump-starting a car - all can be
hazardous to the eyes. Make sure you always wear the right kind of
protective eyewear during these activities.
Some of the eye problems that harm the vision of older people actually
start much earlier. Many of them can be effectively treated and vision
preserved if caught early enough. Ask your eye doctor if you are at risk of
glaucoma or diabetic eye disease and how often you should have an eye exam.
Some vision changes are natural as we age. Most of these can be adequately
corrected with glasses, contact or refractive surgery. However, sudden or
frequent changes may signal a problem, and should prompt a visit to your eye
doctor.
Because seniors are at increased risk for serious eye problems, they need to
have more frequent eye exams.
In general, from ages 40-64, you should have an eye exam every 2-4 years.
After age 65, you should increase that to once every 1-2 years.
Remember, eye care is for everyone.
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