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When to conduct an evaluation?

Next, we detail when to conduct an optometric evaluation in different situations:

1. In childhood:

  • First visual exam: It is recommended that babies have their first optometric evaluation at 6 months of age to detect any early visual problems.
  • At 3 years old: It is advisable to have an optometric exam to ensure that the child is developing their vision properly.
  • Before the age of 6: A complete optometric evaluation should be conducted before the child starts primary school, to assess whether their visual system has developed adequately for the academic demands required.
  • Regular exams: During the school years, an eye exam should be conducted annually to detect any changes in vision and to ensure that the child does not have any issues that could affect their academic performance.

2. In adolescence:

  • Control exam: Adolescents should undergo an eye exam annually to ensure they do not develop vision problems, such as those related to prolonged screen use, visual stress, etc.

3. En la adultez: 

  • Initial exam: For young adults, an optometric exam is recommended around the age of 20. This exam aims to detect refractive problems or emerging visual conditions.
  • Periodic exams: Starting at age 40, presbyopia (difficulty focusing) begins to be common. It is recommended to have an optometric evaluation every 2 years to detect any changes in vision and/or eye health issues such as glaucoma, cataracts, and changes in the retina.
  • Symptoms of visual problems: If you experience blurred vision, difficulty reading or seeing up close, or frequent headaches, it is important to undergo an optometric evaluation. These symptoms may be signs of undetected visual issues.

4. In old age (over 60 years old):

  • Older adults should undergo an optometric evaluation annually, as the risk of developing serious visual problems such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, or retina issues related to various systemic diseases increases with age.
  • A person over 60 years old who has a history of health issues such as diabetes or hypertension, or eye conditions such as glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, or macular degeneration among others, should have more frequent eye exams due to the additional risks of associated eye diseases.

4. When visual symptoms occur:

  • In addition to what was previously outlined, an optometric evaluation should be conducted when there are symptoms indicating that there may be a visual problem, such as those indicated in the following questionnaire.

4. For people who wear contact lenses or glasses:

  • If you already wear contact lenses or glasses, you should have an eye exam at least once a year. This is important because your prescription can change over time and because your eye health needs to be checked to prevent infections or complications arising from the use of contact lenses.