How often should I schedule an eye exam?
The frequency of eye exams can vary depending on your age, health, and risk of eye diseases. Here's a general guideline:
- Children: The first eye exam should be at 6 months old, then at age 3 and again at the start of school. School-aged children should have an exam every one to two years if no vision correction is required.
- Adults (18 to 60 years): If you have healthy eyes and no symptoms of vision problems, an eye exam every two years is recommended. However, if you wear glasses or contact lenses, have a family history of eye disease, or have a chronic disease that puts you at greater risk for eye disease, such as diabetes, you should have your eyes checked annually.
- Seniors (61 and older): Annual exams are crucial for seniors, as the risk of eye diseases increases with age. Regular exams can help detect age-related conditions like cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma early.
Remember, these are general guidelines. Your eye doctor may recommend a different exam schedule based on your specific circumstances. Regular eye exams are vital not only for updating prescriptions and detecting vision changes but also for ensuring overall eye health and identifying potentially serious eye conditions before they become more difficult to treat.
What is the right age for a child’s first eye exam?
A child should have their first vision evaluation as early as 6 months old and annually thereafter unless a visual problem is suspected earlier.
What steps can I take to prevent worsening vision?
Take frequent eye breaks, look up and away from extended near or computer work, spend time outdoors, don't hold reading material too close to your face, practice eye-focus skills as recommended by your eye doctor, and ensure you are wearing a current lens prescription.
Can wearing my glasses too often make my eyes worse?
Your Optometrist will explain the purpose of your prescription and when they should be worn. In most cases, glasses will not cause any deterioration that would not otherwise occur. However, wearing glasses for activities different than recommended (i.e. distance glasses worn to read up close) may make the eyes work harder than they need to.
What signs suggest my child may have vision problems?
There are many symptoms that require attention. They include rubbing eyes, squinting, turning or tilting head, losing their place or using a finger to follow along when reading, moving head or mouthing words while reading, headaches, red eyes, wandering eyes, complaints of blurred vision. Many disorders have no symptoms. All children need eye examinations at age 3.
How often should disposable contact lenses be replaced?
The recommended replacement schedule for disposable contact lenses depends on several factors, including your eye health, tear chemistry, lifestyle, and environmental conditions. Here are the most common options:
- Daily Disposable: Designed for single-day use and replaced every day, these lenses offer the highest level of convenience and hygiene. They are ideal for individuals seeking fresh, new lenses each day with minimal cleaning or maintenance.
- Bi-weekly Disposable: Also known as two-week contact lenses, these are replaced every 14 days. They provide a balance between affordability and the comfort of a fresher lens. Proper cleaning and storage are required between uses.
- Monthly or Extended Wear: These lenses are replaced either monthly or quarterly. They suit wearers who prefer a longer replacement schedule and are diligent about following cleaning and care routines.
During your contact lens exam, our optometrists will evaluate your vision needs and eye health to determine the ideal lens type and replacement schedule for you. This personalized approach ensures optimal eye health and comfort, tailored to your unique lifestyle and preferences.
Can laser surgery fix all types of vision problems?
If you have good distance vision without glasses, but need reading correction only, laser refractive surgery is not an option for you. If you wear bifocals to correct both distance and near vision, you may be a candidate to have the distance vision corrected, but still have to wear reading glasses after.
Can LASIK or laser surgery eliminate the need for reading glasses?
Laser eye surgery is used to correct many cases of myopia (blurred distance vision) and astigmatism safely and predictably. Laser correction of hyperopia (farsightedness) is in its advanced testing stages. Results are not as predictable, nor as successful. Presbyopia, which causes the need to wear reading glasses or bifocals, cannot be corrected by laser surgery. As a result, individuals over 45 years will require reading glasses in most cases following surgery. Amblyopia (lazy eye) or other existing conditions that have caused damage to the eye or loss of vision, cannot be repaired by laser surgery.
What are the main causes of cataracts?
Cataracts develop when the natural lens inside your eye, which is normally clear, becomes clouded. This condition can occur due to various reasons, including:
- Age: The most common cause of cataracts is aging. As you get older, the proteins in your eye's lens can clump together, leading to cloudiness.
- Medical conditions: Certain health issues, such as diabetes, can increase the risk of developing cataracts.
- Environmental factors: Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet sunlight, smoking, and radiation can contribute to cataract formation.
- Injury or Trauma: Sometimes, an injury to the eye can lead to the development of cataracts, either immediately or years later.
- Medications: Long-term use of certain medications, notably corticosteroids, can increase the risk of cataracts.
- Genetic Factors: A family history of cataracts can predispose individuals to this condition.
Early cataract symptoms may include blurred vision, increased glare from lights, difficulty seeing at night, and changes in color perception. Regular eye exams can help detect cataracts and other eye conditions at an early stage, allowing for timely treatment and management.
Can I use my Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for eyeglasses?
Absolutely! Your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is a versatile tool when it comes to managing your eye care expenses. Eyeglasses are considered a qualified medical expense, which means you can certainly use your FSA funds to purchase them.
This includes not only standard prescription eyeglasses but also prescription sunglasses, reading glasses, and even safety glasses if they are prescription-based. Whether you're purchasing your first pair, looking for a stylish upgrade, or need a backup pair for convenience, your FSA (and EyeMax!) has got you covered.
But that's not all. Your FSA is also applicable for a variety of other eye care needs. You can use these funds for eye exams, ensuring regular check-ups and the health of your eyes. Contact lenses, along with their cleaning and maintenance solutions, are also covered under FSA.
Moreover, special eye tests, including retina photography, are eligible for FSA coverage. These tests are crucial for detecting eye conditions at an early stage, ensuring timely and effective treatment.
Whether you're purchasing eyewear, scheduling eye health exams, or seeking specialized eye tests, your FSA is your ally in maintaining optimal eye health.
Do you have more questions about how to make the best use of your FSA for eye care? Feel free to contact us or schedule an appointment for personalized guidance!
How do I know if I need glasses or contact lenses?
You may need glasses or contact lenses if you experience symptoms such as blurred vision, headaches, eye strain, or trouble focusing. During your comprehensive eye exam, our optometrists will assess your vision and recommend corrective eyewear if needed. Whether glasses or contact lenses are right for you depends on your lifestyle and comfort preferences.
What is blue light, and should I be worried about it?
Blue light is a type of light emitted by screens on digital devices, such as smartphones, computers, and tablets. Extended exposure can lead to digital eye strain and disrupt sleep patterns. Blue light-blocking lenses may help reduce eye strain for individuals who spend a lot of time using digital devices.
What are the symptoms of glaucoma, and how is it detected?
Glaucoma often develops without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. As it progresses, patients may experience peripheral vision loss, blurred vision, and halos around lights. Regular eye exams to detect glaucoma, including intraocular pressure testing, are essential for early detection and management.
How does vision insurance work for eye exams and glasses?
Vision insurance typically covers routine eye exams, a portion of eyeglass frames and lenses, and sometimes contact lens exams. At EyeMax, we accept most major vision insurance plans, including VSP in-network, EyeMed in-network, and Superior Vision in-network. And many more plans, most in-network. Our staff will help you understand and maximize your benefits for our in-network Frisco eye doctor as well as our Mesquite in-network eye doctor, during your visit.