How often should an adults eyes be examined?

In the absence of symptoms, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends that young healthy adults ages 20-39 and with no risk factors should be screened at least once during that period; those between 40-64 every 2-4 years, ands those 65 or older every 1-2 years. Hereditary risks for ocular disease require more frequent checkups. There are a number of diseases, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis, colitis, AIDS/ HIV, to name a few, and taking certain oral medications that carry a heightened risk for eye complications. African Americans, or any patient with a family history of glaucoma should be screened yearly. You should ask your ophthalmologist or primary care doctor when and how often you need to be checked. ... more