EYE CARE
The eye is one of the most delicate organs in the body. It is susceptible to disease, infection and, if you don’t get proper care, degeneration.

Healthy Vision
Preventive eye care is important to everyone because eye conditions and  diseases that can destroy you and your family's healthy vision can strike at any time in life, from newborn to old age. Read below for suggested guidelines on when you and your family should have your eyes checked.

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 6 months 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 6 months to 2: Schedule examination with your Family Eye Doctor
• Ages 3 to 5: Schedule examination every one to two years.
• 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

But check with your Family Eye Doctor to see how often you should have a complete eye exam if any  of the following risk factors affect you:

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

Protecting your eyes from accidents  and early detection and treatment of eye problems are the best ways to keep your healthy vision throughout life. If you or your family are at risk for eye  disease or experience any eye problems, visit your Eye M.D. promptly.

Eye Exams

Routine eye exams are very important to monitor the health of your eye and to determine your need for glasses. Some eye diseases such as glaucoma, can only be detected with a thorough exam, so it is important to have your eyes examined every 1 to 2 years.

Your eye exam will take approximately 1/2 to 1 1/2 hours. Your eyes will be dilated, so your near vision may be fuzzy for about 3-4 hours. You will also be sensitive to light, so bring sunglasses with you or we can provide you with some disposable ones. Please bring any prescription glasses with you to your exam.

Eye Disease and Links to Information Resources

The following are links to excellent online information resources that discuss various Eye Diseases. This section is currently under construction, and further links will be added in the near future.

• Cataracts - website -RESTORwebsite
• Diabetes and the Eye - website
• Glaucoma - website
• Pediatric Eye Diseases
• Macular Degeneration
• Pterygium