When was the last time you had your eyes checked?

Seeing everyone wearing the latest style of dark plastic eyeglasses made me ask myself when was the last time I had my eyes checked? The answer was over five years ago. So I made an appointment with my optometrist, Dr. Douglas Kiefer and it turned out my prescription had changed and I needed new glasses.

According to the Mayo Clinic, “In general, if you are healthy and you have no symptoms of vision problems, have your eyes checked on this schedule:

• Every five to 10 years in your 20s and 30s
• Every two to four years from 40 to 54
• Every one to three years from 55 to 64
• Every one to two years after age 65

Have your eyes checked more often if you:

• Wear glasses or contact lenses
• Have a family history of eye disease or loss of vision
• Have a chronic disease that puts you at greater risk of eye disease, such as diabetes
• Take medications that have serious eye side effects.”

I have worn glasses since the fourth grade and I’m 59 so I should have my eyes examined every year or two.

During the exam your doctor may perform several tests:

• eye muscle test
• visual acuity test
• refraction assessment
• visual field test (perimetry)
• color vision testing
• slit-lamp examination
• retinal examination
• screening for glaucoma

“Each test during an eye exam evaluates a different aspect of your vision or eye health. An eye exam helps detect eye problems at their earliest stage — when they’re most treatable. Regular eye exams give your eye care professional a chance to help you correct or adapt to vision changes and provide you with tips on caring for your eyes.” These tests are not expensive given the amount of beneficial information you receive about your overall health.

My eye exam cost $114 without vision insurance. EyeCare America offers seniors free eye exams to qualifying individuals.

So, what are you waiting for? When was the last time you had your eyes checked?