When it comes to looking after ourselves, there are various check ups we must take in order to keep ourselves up to date with the current condition of our body and also allow us to adopt the necessary measures we need to help us deal with any changes.
Just as we should ensure we visit the dentist and our doctor regularly, the same can be said for our eyes.
Most eye car experts will recommend that you have a complete eye exam every one to three years depending on your age and whether you already wear corrective glasses or contact lenses.
However, different risk factors can also greatly change the times in which you should leave between each eye exam and this will also change between children and adults.
Children will require regular eye exams in order to detect any vision problems they may have been born with which could potentially affect their learning and development.
Educational experts say that up to 80% of a child's learning is presented visually and so in order for a child to get the best from their learning, any potential issues with their sight must be identified as soon as possible and treated accordingly.
Some experts believe that a child should have their first eye exam at the age of six months, then at the age of three and then again before they begin school.
However, those children who have no risks to their eyesight should then only require an eye exam every two years until they reach the age of eighteen.
When it comes to risk factors, however these can greatly affect the times which should be left between each eye exam.
These can include:

• A history of a premature birth or being born at a low weight
• Whether the mother experienced any infections or conditions during the pregnancy including rubella, herpes, AIDS, etc
• Delays in the child's development
• Being born with turned or crossed eyes
• Any family history of eye disease Any other physical illnesses or diseases

Any child who does have to wear glasses for any form of eye issue should have their eyes checked annually in order to keep track of their eyes development and progress through using corrective eyewear.
As we reach adulthood, there are different reasons as to why we will require having regular check-ups for our eyes.
Seniors will need regular eye exams in order to avoid slightly threatening diseases such as glaucoma and cataracts which will affect their overall ability to see.
However, for adults of a younger age, experts believe that an eye exam every 2 years until the age of around 60 will be sufficient enough to keep track of the health and condition of our eyes.
However those who have any of the following risks should ensure they have more frequent eye exams:

• Any family history of eye disease such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, etc
• If they have diabetes or suffer from high blood pressure
• If they have a visually demanding job role which may be hazardous to the eyes If they have had any eye surgery/injuries in the past; and
• If the individual is taking any medications which have a known side effect which affects the eyes

If an adult is already wearing glasses and/or contact lenses, they will be advised by their optometrist to have an eye exam once a year.
When it comes to looking after our eyes, the simplest thing we can do is to ensure we attend any eye examinations we are due.
In the event you are unsure when you are required an eye exam, simply enquire with your optician about when your next exam is due.
By taking this simple measure, you will be making one big help to keeping your eyes healthy.