AAO Issues Guidelines for Comprehensive Adult Medical Eye Evaluations

Summary: The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) just released new rules for adult eye exams. Even if your eyes feel completely fine, you still need to get them checked! Why? Sneaky eye diseases like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy can cause damage before you even notice any symptoms.

Here is the new schedule for healthy adults with no symptoms:

• Under age 40: Every 5 to 10 years.
• Ages 40 to 54: Every 2 to 4 years.
• Ages 55 to 64: Every 1 to 3 years.
• Ages 65 and up: Every 1 to 2 years.

If you have diabetes, you need an exam right away (or within 5 years if you have Type 1) and then every single year. Pregnant women with diabetes need an eye exam before getting pregnant and during their first trimester. If you are at a higher risk for glaucoma, you will need to go more often, too. The AAO says ophthalmologists are the best doctors to give these exams because they are the top experts in eye diseases.

Source: Optometry Advisor URL: optometryadvisor.com/news/aao-issues-guidelines-for-comprehensive-adult-medical-eye-evaluations/ (opens in new tab)