Infants and toddlers should be screened for common eye problems, such as strabismus (crossed eyes) and amblyopia (lazy eye) during their regular pediatric appointments. Vision testing is recommended for all children starting at around 3 years of age.

Most children and teenagers have healthy eyes, but they still need to take care of their vision by wearing protective eyewear when playing sports, doing yard work, working with chemicals or taking part in other activities that could cause an eye injury.

Even young adults and middle-aged individuals can be affected by eye problems, so preventive measures should be taken to detect eye diseases early and to protect eyes from injury. These individuals should have a complete eye exam at least once between the ages of 20 and 29, at least twice between the ages of 30 and 39, and every two to four years between the ages of 40 and 65.

Seniors over age 65 should have a complete eye exam by their Eye M.D. every one to two years for cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and other eye conditions.

The suggested examination guidelines are:

• Ages 0 to 2: screening during regular pediatric appointments
• Ages 3 to 5: screening every one to two years during regular primary care appointments
• Ages 6 to 19: schedule examinations as needed
• Ages 20 to 29: one examination
• Ages 30 to 39: two examinations
• Ages 40 to 65: examination every two to four years
• Ages 65 and over: examination every one to two years

• History of eye injury
• Diabetes
• Family history of eye problems
• African American over age 40

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