When and Why to Have an Eye Examination

• Infants and toddlers: by 6 months of age
• Pre–schoolers: at ages 3 and 5 (comprehensive vision exam)
• School age to adults: Once every year
• For non–routine, symptom–prompted examinations:Emergency
  
  Any sudden onset of blurred vision, double vision, distorted vision, loss of peripheral vision, increase in number or size of floaters, flashing lights in peripheral vision, increase in light sensitivity, pain upon movement of the eyes, any discharge or bleeding, halos around lights, pain upon closure or opening of eyelids,

Gradual loss of ability to focus on near objects, blurred distance vision after concentrated near vision activities or the reverse, change in quality of vision with existing eyeglasses or contact lenses, headaches or eyestrain, especially after near vision tasks, burning , itchy , red or watery eyes

If you're seeing an eye doctor for the first time expect questions about your eye health, vision, and general health history. Your answers to these questions help your eye doctor understand your risk of eye disease and vision problems. Be prepared to give specific information, including:

• Have you had any eye problems in the past?
• Do you wear glasses or contacts now? If so, are you satisfied with them?
• What health problems have you had in recent years?
• Are you taking any medications?
• Do you have any allergies to medications, food or other substances?
• Has anyone in your family had eye problems, such as cataracts or glaucoma?
• Has anyone in your family had diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease or any other health problems that can affect the whole body?
  
  If you wear contact lenses, bring them to your appointment. Your eye doctor will want to make sure your prescription is the best one for you. Also be prepared to remove your contacts for certain exams. Tests that use orange dye (fluorescein) to temporarily color your eye may permanently dye your contact lenses. You'll want to take them out before those types of tests.