Recommended Eye Examination Frequency for Children and Adults

By Mescheca C. Bunyon, OD

Children considered to be at risk for the development of eye and vision problems may need additional testing or more frequent re-evaluation. Factors placing an infant, toddler, or child at significant risk for visual impairment include
Prematurity, low birth weight, oxygen at birth, grade III or IV intraventricular hemorrhage
Family history of retinoblastoma, congenital cataracts, or metabolic or genetic disease
Infection of mother during pregnancy (e.g., rubella, toxoplasmosis, venereal disease, herpes, cytomegalovirus, or AIDS)
Difficult or assisted labor, which may be associated with fetal distress or low Apgar scores
High refractive error
Strabismus
Anisometropia
Known or suspected central nervous system dysfunction evidenced by developmental delay, cerebral palsy, dysmorphic features, seizures, or hydrocephalus
Adult patient at risk include those with diabetes, hypertension, or a family history of ocular disease (e.g., glaucoma, macular degeneration); those working in occupations that are highly demanding visually or eye hazardous; those taking prescription or nonprescription drugs with ocular side effects; those wearing contact lenses; and those with other health concerns or conditions.