Routine Eye Exam
Recommendation for Screening
Age:
How often:		 18-19
Once
Age:
How often:		 20-29
10 years
Age:
How often:		 30-39
5 years
Age:
How often:		 40-64
2 years
Age:
How often:		 65+
Annual

Note:
If you have diabetes, see your ophthalomologist and set up an individual plan.

If you do not have diabetes, but any of the below apply to you, then screening is recommended every 3 years for ages 20-29; every 2 years for ages 30-64; and annually for ages 65+:
  • Family history of diabetes
  • Family history of glaucoma
  • African American

1. What is this test?

Routine eye exams actually include a number of tests combined into one visit. The tests vary with age. For young children and infants, doctors check mostly for visual development problems. For older children and young adults, visual acuity tests, eye coordination tests, and tests for glaucoma are generally performed. Adults are screened for visual acuity, and depending on the presence of risk factors, for eye disease including glaucoma. Older adults, over the age of 60, are screened for cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and other diseases of the eye. Please be advised that Health Butler is not designed for children under 18, and therefore does not include national guidelines for these individuals.


2. Why do I need this test?

Routine eye exams most often lead to prescription updates for your glasses or contact lenses. However, especially in young children and older adults, these eye exams also check for eye diseases that could potentially result in loss of vision and general harm to your health. Many of these diseases are treatable so discovering them early can prevent or slow their development.


3. How is this test done?

There are a variety of tests included in the routine eye exam. Some include reading letters off of a chart at a distance away and reading letters while looking through a series of lenses. In other tests, lights will be passed across your field of vision to test pupil response. For glaucoma testing, a puff of air will be directed at your eye, or a direct measuring device will be used.


4. Are there any special instructions for this test?

One of the eye tests requires that your pupils be dilated with a chemical solution. Your vision will be blurry temporarily so it is recommended that you arrange transportation to and from the exam. It is also recommended that you bring a pair of sunglasses for after the exam to protect your eyes while they return to a normal state.


5. Risk factors
  • In infants:
    • Premature birth
    • Infected mother during pregnancy
    • Family history
  • In children/young adults:
    • Family history
  • In adults/older adults:
    • Diabetes
    • Hypertension
    • Family history of glaucoma
    • Race: African American
    • Visually demanding occupation


Citations
  1. "The Importance of Regular Eye Exams." American Optometric Association. 2009. www.aoa.org/x4725.xml.
  2. "Standard Ophthalmic Exam." Medline Plus. Medical Encyclopedia. A Service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. November 2009. www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003434.htm.
  3. "Eye Exams: What to Expect." Eye Care America, The Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. May 2007. http://www.eyecareamerica.org/eyecare/treatment/eye-exams.cfm.
  4. "Eye Exam: Why it's Done." MayoClinic.com June 2009. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/eye-exam/MY00245/DSECTION=why-its-done.
  5. "Preventative Screening Tests and Immunizations." U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. March 2009. http://www.womenshealth.gov/screeningcharts/general/part3.cfm.
  6. "Preventative Screening Tests and Immunizations." U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. March 2009. http://www.womenshealth.gov/screeningcharts/men/part2.cfm.
  7. "Eye Exams What to Expect." Eye Care America: The Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. May 2007. http://development.aao.org/eyecare/treatment/eye-exams.cfm.
  8. "How Often Should I Have an Eye Exam?" Prevent Blindness America. 2005. http://www.preventblindness.org/eye_tests/near_vision_recom.html.
  9. "Screening for Visual Impairment for Children Younger than 5 Years." U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. May 2004.http://www.ahrq.gov/CLINIC/uspstf/uspsvsch.htm.
  10. "Screening for Impaired Visual Acuity in Older Adults." U.S. Preventive Serivces Task Force. July 2009. http://www.ahrq.gov/CLINIC/uspstf/uspsviseld.htm.
  11. "Screening for Glaucoma." U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. March 2005. http://www.ahrq.gov/CLINIC/uspstf/uspsglau.htm.
  12. "Routine Eye Exam: Indications." Physicians' Information and Education Resource. American College of Physicians. July 2009. http://pier.acponline.org/physicians/procedures/physpro541/indications/physpro541-s2.html.

Created: 7/2/2007
Last Modified: 3/18/2010