Why Routine Eye Care Matters
Maintaining good vision and healthy eyes is an essential part of overall health. Regular visits to an optometrist are critical for early detection of eye conditions, updating prescriptions, and ensuring that your vision stays sharp at every stage of life. At Sunridge Eye Clinic in Calgary, we believe in empowering families with the knowledge and care needed for lifelong eye health.
Whether it’s your first eye exam or you’re wondering if it’s time for a check-up, this guide explains how often you should visit an optometrist and why proactive care is so important.
Eye Exam Frequency for Different Age Groups
Children: Annual Eye Exams for Growing Eyes
Children’s vision develops rapidly, and regular eye exams are key to identifying issues that could affect their learning and development. Alberta Health Care ensures children (0-18) receive free annual eye exams, making it easy for families to prioritize their children’s eye health.
The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends children have their first eye exam at six months, another at three years, and yearly exams once they start school. Issues like myopia, lazy eye, and strabismus are best treated when caught early.
Adults: Routine Exams Every Two Years
For adults aged 18-64 with no pre-existing eye conditions, an eye exam every two years is usually sufficient. These visits help monitor changes in vision and detect early signs of conditions like glaucoma or macular degeneration.
Alberta Health Care also covers most emergency eye exams for this age group, ensuring accessible care when unexpected issues arise. Regular visits to Sunridge Eye Clinic can keep your prescriptions up-to-date and address any vision concerns promptly.
Seniors: Annual Eye Exams to Maintain Independence
As we age, the risk of eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration increases. Seniors aged 65 and older should schedule annual eye exams to detect and manage these issues early. Alberta Health Care offers free annual eye exams for seniors, helping make routine care affordable.
At Sunridge Eye Clinic, we provide comprehensive exams tailored to senior eye health, ensuring that age-related changes are managed with care and precision.
Eye Exams for Specific Vision Needs
Contact Lens Wearers: Annual Check-Ups
If you wear contact lenses, annual visits to an optometrist are essential. These exams not only check your prescription but also assess the health of your cornea and ensure your lenses are fitting properly. Sunridge Eye Clinic offers expert contact lens fittings and care for all types of lenses.
Those with Chronic Health Conditions: More Frequent Visits
Chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure can affect eye health. Diabetic patients, for instance, are at higher risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, which requires regular monitoring. If you have a health condition that impacts your eyes, your optometrist may recommend more frequent check-ups to catch potential complications early.
Eye Emergencies: Immediate Attention
Eye injuries, sudden vision changes, or severe discomfort should not wait. Alberta Health Care covers most emergency eye exams, so if you’re experiencing an urgent issue, contact Sunridge Eye Clinic in Calgary for immediate care. Early treatment can often prevent further damage and preserve your vision.
Why Regular Eye Exams Are Important
Routine eye exams are about more than just updating your glasses or contact lens prescription. They’re an opportunity to detect conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, or retinal diseases before symptoms become noticeable. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes and may prevent vision loss altogether.
At Sunridge Eye Clinic, we use advanced diagnostic tools to provide thorough assessments for patients of all ages. Regular visits ensure that your eyes are healthy, your vision is sharp, and your lifestyle needs are met.
Make Your Eye Health a Priority
Regular visits to an optometrist are an essential part of maintaining healthy vision at every stage of life. From annual check-ups for children and seniors to routine exams for adults and specialized care for those with chronic conditions, Sunridge Eye Clinic in Calgary is here to support your family’s eye health.
Take advantage of Alberta Health Care’s coverage for emergency eye exams and free annual exams for children and seniors. Schedule your appointment today with Sunridge Eye Clinic, your trusted partner in comprehensive eye care. Call or visit our website to book now and ensure your vision stays clear for years to come.
FAQ’s
Q: Do contact lens wearers need more frequent eye exams?
A: Yes, contact lens wearers should have annual exams to ensure their prescription is accurate and their eyes remain healthy.
Q: What are the benefits of regular eye exams?
A: Routine eye exams detect vision changes, identify eye diseases early, and ensure optimal eye health at every stage of life.
Q: What happens during a routine eye exam?
A: A routine eye exam includes vision tests, checks for eye conditions, and updates to prescriptions for glasses or contact lenses. Contact Sunridge Eye Clinic to book your eye appointment!
