What the Practitioner Might Do

Many eye conditions are readily obvious. We notice that we're having trouble reading road signs from a distance or that we have to hold the book a little farther away to bring the words into focus. But other eye conditions are more subtle. We may not know we have them until they are far along -- and the havoc they have wreaked is beyond repair. That's why eye care experts recommend a thorough eye examination according to the following schedule:

Children: First examination by 6 months; the next by age 3 to 3 1/2 and thereafter as directed by your eye care practitioner.
Late teens: Contact lens wearers - as directed by your eye care professional; once every one to two years for non-contact lens wearers.
Age 35+: Once a year or as directed. Any immediate eye-related symptoms should be examined by an eye care professional right away.