Your Eyes After 40

Ask an Eye M.D. Answer Archive

Question:
My husband is 55 years old and only needs glasses to read. How often should he have an eye exam?

Answer:
From the American Academy of Ophthalmology policy statement on frequency of examination: "For young individuals at higher risk for certain diseases, such as African-Americans 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. Adults with no signs or risk factors for eye disease should receive a baseline comprehensive eye evaluation at age 40. For asymptomatic individuals or individuals without risk factors who are 40 to 54 years old and who have had a comprehensive eye examination, the recommended interval for evaluations is 2 to 4 years. For individuals aged 55 to 64 years old, the recommended interval for evaluations is 1 to 3 years. For individuals 65 years old or older, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends an examination every 1 to 2 years, even in the absence of symptoms."

Answered by: Gary Hirshfield, MD

Categories: Eye Conditions, General Eye Health

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