Should you get your eyes checked?

Do you wear glasses? Whether you do or not, when was the last time you had your vision checked?

Because of necessity (changing lens prescriptions), it’s more likely that people with glasses or contacts visit an optometrist or ophthalmologist regularly, but even if you don’t need corrective lenses, did you know you should still get your eyes checked regularly?

The American Optometric Association recommends that adults who wear glasses or contacts have their eyes checked every year for annual check ups. If there are problems that occur between visits, people shouldn’t wait, however.

For adults who don’t wear glasses or contacts, regular exams every two or three years are recommended so you can be screened for eye problems like glaucoma.

If you have a medical problem, like diabetes, you probably should see your eye specialist more often.

So, now that you’re armed with this information, who do you go see?

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who received specialized training in eye health. They can diagnose eye problems, prescribe medications, and perform eye surgery. An optometrist is a professional who can check your eyes and prescribe corrective lenses. They can also diagnose some eye problems and prescribe medications, such as eye drops. Optometrists are usually the front-line eye care specialist for most people. Opticians are the professionals who make your glasses and lenses.

The important thing is to be checked regularly and as needed. A little over two years ago, I changed from a regular prescription to progressive lenses. They were great - for two months. Then I noticed that I needed a change in my prescription already. I let them go as long as I could, but eventually went back and there was a significant change in my vision. We traced it to a new medication had begun taking two months after I received my new glasses.

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