Routine Eye Exam: Importance, How Often, What Happens - Watch WebMD Video

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Eye Exam Timing

Reviewed By: Louise Chang,

SOURCES: 2009 WebMD Medical Reference from Medstar Television. Suzanne Bellante, OD, Optometrist, Beth Israel Medical Center, New York.

© 1999-2011 Medstar Television

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Narrator:

Maggie Ortiz Pabon (or TEEZ puh BONE) skipped eye exams for a few years because she felt all was well.

Suzanne Bellante, O.D.:

People think that since they're seeing perfectly fine and not having any problems day-to-day, that it's not important to get a routine check-up.

Narrator :

As it turned out, Maggie had a potentially serious eye problem that was caught and corrected.

Maggie Ortiz Pabon:

I had no symptoms, so I would never have known that I had this problem with my eye.

Narrator :

A lot of people miss eye exams, but Doctor Bellante (bell ANN tee) says those check-ups can tell more about you than meets the eye.

Suzanne Bellante, O.D.:

There are certain systemic conditions that can be found in the eyes as well, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol.

Narrator:

So what exactly does an eye doctor see when they peer into your peepers?

Suzanne Bellante, O.D.:

We are looking at the back of the eyes which have some of the smallest blood vessels in the body.

Narrator:

And if those vessels are bleeding or narrowing, it's a red flag for chronic illnesses like diabetes or high blood pressure.

Suzanne Bellante, O.D.:

An eye exam is definitely a good supplement to a annual physical.

Narrator:

So how often should adults see an eye doctor? In your 20s and 30s, go every 2 to 3 years. Once you're 40, every 1 to 2 years and then 50 and beyond, every year. It's advice Maggie's taken to heart, timing her annual eye check-up with another yearly milesone.

Maggie Ortiz Pabon:

I try to do it around my birthday so I can remember that I have to go see the doctor.

Narrator:

A gift to protect her sight as well as her health. For WebMD, I'm Damon Meharg.

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