American Academy of Ophthalmology Guidelines for Vision Screening
The following are guidelines from the American Academy of Ophthalmology:
- Adults with no signs or risk factors for eye disease should have a baseline eye exam at age 40 and then a re-evaluation every 2 to 4 years.
- Adults age 55 to 64 without risk factors should be examined every 1 to 3 years.
- Adults 65 or older without risk factors should be examined every 1 to 2 years.
Any individual at higher risk for developing disease, based on ocular and medical history, family history, age, or race should have periodic examinations determined by the particular risks, even if no symptoms are present.
- Type 1 diabetics should be examined 5 years after disease onset and atleast yearly after.
- Type 2 diabetics should be examined at the time of diagnosis and atleast yearly after.
- Women with diabetes who may become pregnant should receive an eye exam prior to pregnancy and then early in the first trimester.
- An eye examination is warranted if ocular symptoms, visual changes, or injury are involved.
- “For individuals at higher risk for certain diseases, such as African-Americans and Hispanics who are at higher risk for glaucoma, comprehensive eye examinations should be considered every 2 to 4 years for those under age 40, every 1 to 3 years for those aged 40 to 54, and every 1 to 2 years for those aged 55 to 64, even in the absence of visual or ocular symptoms.”
