Issue 21.09
An Eye M.D. is an Ophthalmologist — a Medical Doctor or Doctor of Ophthalmology,who specializes in eye and vision care. Eye M.D.s are specially trained in all aspects of eye care,including diagnosis,management,and surgery of ocular diseases and disorders.
Read below to see when you and your family should visit an Eye M.D. for a complete eye examination. Early detection and treatment of eye problems,along with protecting your eyes from accidental injury,are the best ways to take care of your vision throughout life.
If you have any of these risk factors for eye problems,you may need to see your Eye M.D. more often than recommended below:
· family history of eye problems
· African American over age 40
· diabetes
· history of eye injury
Before Age 3
Since it is possible for your child to have a serious vision problem without being aware of it,your child should have his or her eyes screened during regular pediatric appointments. Vision testing is recommended for all children starting around 3 years of age.
If there is a family history of vision problems or if your child appears to have any of the following conditions speak to your Eye M.D. promptly about when and how often your child’s eyes should be examined:
· strabismus (crossed eyes)
· amblyopia (lazy eye)
· ptosis (drooping of the upper eyelid)
Age 3 to Puberty
· Evaluated every two years
Age Puberty to 40
Most young adults have healthy eyes,but they still need to take care of their vision by wearing protective eyewear when playing sports,doing yard work,working with chemicals,or taking part in other activities that could cause an eye injury. After an initial comprehensive eye examination is performed by an ophthalmologist,individuals from the age of puberty to age 40 needs to be examined again only if ocular symptoms,visual changes or injury occur. The exception is for young adults who are at risk of developing significant ocular disease in this interval because of risk factors.
See an Eye M.D. if you experience any eye conditions,such as:
· visual changes or pain
· flashes of light
· seeing spots or ghost-like images
· lines appear distorted or wavy
· dry eyes with itching and burning
Age 40 to 64
The Academy now recommends that adults with no signs or risk factors for eye disease get a baseline eye disease screening at age 40 — the time when early signs of disease and changes in vision may start to occur. Based on the results of the initial screening,an ophthalmologist will prescribe the necessary intervals for follow-up exams.
For individuals at any age with symptoms of or at risk for eye disease,such as those with a family history of eye disease,diabetes or high blood pressure,the Academy recommends that individuals see their ophthalmologist to determine how frequently their eyes should be examined.
Age 65 and Over
Individuals age 65 and over should have complete eye exams by their Eye M.D. every one to two years to check for cataracts,glaucoma,age-related macular degeneration,diabetic retinopathy and other eye conditions.
Article Written by the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Submitted by Sharon Richens,M.D. and Jim Beson,M.D. from Richens Eye Center. Both are proud members of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. For more information about eye health visit www.medem.com
